By Harris Emmanuel, Managing Editor.
The Akwa Ibom State Government has issued a 21-day ultimatum for the removal of all structures obstructing the drainage system, with a threat to demolish illegal structures built on waterways.
The Deputy Governor, Senator Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, who also chairs the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), delivered this warning during an inspection of flooded areas and poor drainage systems in Uyo, the state capital, as directed by the Governor.
She emphasized the need for residents and relevant agencies, especially the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), to be cautious when granting building approvals, stressing that construction on waterways must be avoided to prevent demolition.
“For agencies responsible for approving building constructions, thorough land inspections must be conducted before granting approvals. We must be vigilant in protecting ourselves and our lives, as the government is also working to safeguard us,” Dr. Eyakenyi stated.
She noted that NIMET had identified Akwa Ibom State as prone to flood disasters, and she had taken proactive measures to minimize the impact of floods on citizens.
To ensure safety, she urged residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer environments, as heavy rainfall was predicted by NIMET in the state.
Dr. Eyakenyi also appealed to residents to refrain from blocking drainages with refuse, as keeping them clean would allow water to flow freely.
Prof. Eno Ibanga, the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, assured that immediate action would be taken to channel water away from identified drainage areas to prevent further losses.
The inspection covered areas such as Ewet Housing Extension, Gloria Amana, Methodist Church Cathedral, Itiam Etoi, Oron Road, and Nsikak Eduok drainage.
Accompanying the Deputy Governor were the Surveyor General of the state, Emem Isang, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), Prince Ikim of MD Bulletine Construction Company, SEMA and NEMA officials, among others.
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