Aniefiok Christopher
Construction companies have begun desilting and opening of drains to clear floodwater and give the people in the flood-ravaged areas of Uyo new lease of life as directed by the State Government.
This follows a directive by Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno that some construction companies should evacuate water from the affected areas, and restore normal water flow to prevent further escalation of the problem.
Heavy downpour that spiraled into severe flooding swept several houses away and left many people homeless in Uyo, Akwa Ibom capital and its neighbourhoods on Wednesday night and Thursday.
Also read: Floods Hit Uyo, Residents Flee, Leaving Others Homeless
In his Facebook post on Friday, the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Aniekan Umanah said the emergency desilting operation is ongoing to clear blocked drainage channels along Abak Road, Nkemba Street, Ukana Offot, Ikot Ekpene Road and Osong Ama axis of Uyo.
The operation has been extended to desilting of Nkemba Trough along Abak Road to mitigate impact of flooding around Iboko Offot and its environs that pulled down the fence of Church of Christ fence along Abak Road, Uyo.
The operation, coordinated by Akwa Ibom State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) headed by Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the state Deputy Governor in collaboration with the Ministry of Works, Ministry of Environment and Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA).
Earlier in a press release signed by Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, had, on Thursday, July 9, said Governor Umo Eno, directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), headed by the Deputy Governor, the Ministry of Environment, and the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency to inspect the affected locations, assess the extent of the damage, and implement appropriate emergency measures to ameliorate the situation.
The release said it followed Wednesday’s and Thursday’s heavy rainfall that resulted in storm water flooding in several parts of Uyo, including Nkemba Street (Abak Road), Itu Road, Osongama Estate, and Shelter Afrique in Uyo, as well as some areas in Abak Local Government Area.
Though the State Government sympathised with all residents affected by the flooding, it reassured the public of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
‘‘Government further assures residents that immediate intervention has commenced in some affected areas, while the implementation of lasting flood mitigation measures is also being considered,’’ it stated.
Recall that the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NiMET) had earlier issued warnings of possible flooding in several states of the Federation during the current rainy season.
The Akwa Ibom State Government, therefore, advised residents to complement government efforts by ensuring that drainage channels around their homes and business premises are kept free of refuse and other obstructions to allow the free flow of storm water.
The government further urged members of the public to refrain from dumping refuse into waterways and drainage channels, as such practices obstruct the free flow of storm water and significantly contribute to flooding, saying ‘‘It will take the collective efforts of both the Government and the people to effectively address and control this challenge.’’
The release warned that ‘‘Government will remove all structures and properties obstructing waterways and drainage lines , regardless of ownership or the persons involved, in order to ensure the free flow of storm water and protect lives and property.
‘‘Government remains committed to protecting lives and property and urges citizens to cooperate fully with emergency response agencies as efforts to restore normalcy continue in the affected areas,’’ it added.
