Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to address the persistent flooding affecting parts of the state.
The measures include the development of a new flood and drainage master plan, the establishment of the Clean Akwa Ibom Brigade and the demolition of buildings obstructing designated drainage channels.
Governor Eno announced the initiatives while speaking to journalists after an unscheduled inspection of the Judiciary Staff Quarters project in Uyo. He described flood control as a shared responsibility between the government and residents.
The Governor noted that the existing flood management blueprint no longer reflects the realities of rapid urbanisation and expanding infrastructure.
He directed the Commissioner for Environment to assemble experts and relevant stakeholders to develop a modern flood and drainage master plan for the state.
“We need to have a state flood and drainage master plan. The one we have is old,” Governor Eno said, adding that the new plan would guide infrastructure development, drainage construction and flood mitigation efforts across the state.
As part of the initiative, the Governor announced the establishment of the Clean Akwa Ibom Brigade under the Ministry of Environment to ensure drainage channels remain free of obstructions and to strengthen flood prevention efforts.
He also declared that any structure found on designated drainage routes would be demolished, irrespective of ownership, status or previous approvals.
Governor Eno further directed the Ministry of Environment, the State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency and the Office of the Attorney-General to establish Environmental Sanitation Courts to prosecute sanitation offenders. He said offenders would undertake community service, including clearing blocked drainage channels.
The Governor also announced stricter enforcement of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, with movement to be restricted across the state on the last Saturday of every month from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in drainage infrastructure and flood management while urging residents to keep their surroundings clean and comply with environmental sanitation regulations.
“We will do our part, but we also expect all of us as citizens to do our part,” he said.
During the inspection of the Judiciary Staff Quarters project, Governor Eno expressed dissatisfaction with the attitude of the contractors, describing it as unacceptable for project sites to be deserted during working hours.
He said the measures formed part of his administration’s commitment to protecting lives, safeguarding public infrastructure and building a cleaner, safer and more environmentally sustainable Akwa Ibom State through stronger environmental standards and improved flood management.
