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From Isaac Job, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has urged federal government and corporate organizations to partner with the state government to fight persistent flooding in uyo metropolis and other communities in the state .
Flood had submerged houses in Uyo metropolis and rendered families homeless while some streets remained waterlogged following torrential rainfall that occurred in the state few days ago when governor Umo Eno was out of the state for official engagement.
Affected areas by the flood include two lane, Nung Obio Enang by stadium road close to L & L hotel, Ukanafun Offot, Tabernacle road , Obio Imoh, Udo Umanah and other adjoining streets in Uyo metropolis.
At Nung Obio Enang one Etop Emmanuel was rendered homeless by the flood as his household belongings including tricycle was submerged by the flood.
Eno, on his arrival at Victor Attah International Airport sympathized with families and individuals affected by the flash – flood in some parts of the State and called for concerted efforts to prevent recurrence.
Eno who was fielding questions from Correspondents described the incident as unfortunate and assured that government has put modalities in place to manage the situation.
He noted that government was committed to its responsibilities and appealed for all hands to be on desk to prevent recurrence.
He charged residents in the state to desilt drainages around their premises and maintain a clean environment.
Eno also appealed to residents in the state to take responsibility for keeping drainage channels free of refuse adding that the fight against the flash – floods currently affecting parts of the state requires collective effort between government and citizens.
“Similar flash – floods have occurred in Abuja, Lagos and other parts of the country, despite warnings issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), making it imperative for residents to complement government’s intervention by maintaining clean surroundings.
“Indiscriminate disposal of refuse into gutters and drainage channels remains one of the major causes of urban flooding.
” Many residents watch drains around their homes become clogged while waiting for government to clear them”.
Eno advised that environmental sanitation should not be viewed as a government exercise alone but as a civic responsibility.
He recalled that communities traditionally came together to clear drains and maintain their environment long before modern sanitation agencies were established.
He said while the State Government will continue to undertake large-scale desilting of major canals and storm-water channels, residents must ensure that drains in front of their homes and business premises remain free of debris to allow easy flow of floodwater.
“We must work together. Let us stop blocking our drainages with refuse. Government will continue to do its part, but the people also have a responsibility to keep the environment clean,” the Governor said.
“Residents in the state must heed to weather advisors and flood warnings issued by relevant agencies because prevention remains the most effective response to flash flooding.
“This administration committed to protecting lives and property. Government has already ordered for immediate deployment of construction firms and relevant agencies to flood-prone communities to evacuate storm water, desilt blocked drainage channels and restore access to affected areas”.
