The Akwa Ibom State Government has vowed to demolish buildings obstructing natural waterways as part of urgent measures to prevent a repeat of the devastating flood that submerged homes, displaced residents and wreaked havoc across parts of the state.
Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, announced the tough stance in Uyo on Friday, saying the Umo Eno administration would no longer tolerate structures blocking the free flow of floodwater.
She disclosed that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other relevant agencies had already been deployed to conduct rapid assessments of affected communities, distribute relief materials and identify areas requiring immediate intervention.
“We woke up Thursday morning to the devastating flood situation in the state arising from last night’s downpour. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to everyone who suffered from this situation,” Eyakenyi said.
According to her, emergency response teams are already on the ground to evaluate the level of destruction and determine the urgent needs of victims.
The Deputy Governor revealed that government would immediately begin desilting blocked drainage channels across affected areas, warning that any structure found obstructing natural waterways would be pulled down to restore proper water flow and protect lives and property.
She said the action forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to strengthen disaster response and reduce the impact of recurring floods across Akwa Ibom.
Eyakenyi, however, blamed indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains for worsening the flooding, saying blocked drainage channels had contributed significantly to the disaster.
She appealed to residents to embrace proper waste disposal practices and support environmental sanitation efforts, especially during the rainy season.
While sympathising with families whose homes, businesses and means of livelihood were affected, the Deputy Governor assured them that the government would provide necessary assistance while implementing long-term flood control measures.
She reaffirmed the Umo Eno administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through improved drainage infrastructure, restoration of blocked waterways and enhanced emergency response across the state.
