The Akwa Ibom State Government has intensified efforts to combat flooding and improve environmental sanitation, with senior government officials inspecting ongoing desilting and drainage projects in flood-prone areas of Uyo, the state capital.
The inspection was led by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, as officials assessed the progress of remedial works aimed at reducing flood risks, preventing disease outbreaks and promoting a cleaner, healthier environment across the state.
The exercise coincided with the monthly statewide environmental sanitation exercise, providing an opportunity for the government to monitor residents’ compliance and evaluate interventions designed to strengthen drainage infrastructure ahead of the peak of the rainy season.
Speaking during the inspection, Senator Eyakenyi, who also serves as Chairman of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), sympathised with residents affected by recent flooding and reassured them of the government’s commitment to addressing the challenge.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Joseph Esidem, she said the administration of Governor Umo Eno remains proactive in implementing measures to safeguard lives and property while ensuring a safe and healthy environment for residents.
The Commissioner for Environment, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong, commended residents for their level of compliance with the sanitation exercise but expressed concern over the indiscriminate disposal of refuse into drainage channels.
He warned that blocked drains obstruct the free flow of water and significantly contribute to flooding, stressing that maintaining a clean environment is a collective responsibility.
Also speaking, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom (SAN), said the arrest and prosecution of environmental sanitation offenders would serve as a deterrent to others, urging residents to support government initiatives aimed at sustaining environmental cleanliness.
The Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Ubuo Ubuo, appealed for continued public cooperation, noting that lasting environmental sustainability can only be achieved through collective action.
Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), Prince Akpan Ikim, who supervised both the sanitation exercise and the ongoing desilting operations, assured residents of the agency’s commitment to effectively carrying out its mandate.
Similarly, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, commended residents of the state capital for complying with the sanitation directive and praised Governor Eno’s commitment to environmental safety and public health.
A joint enforcement team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Ibom Community Watch, the AKSEPWMA enforcement unit and other security agencies participated in the exercise. Those arrested for violating environmental sanitation regulations were subsequently arraigned before the sanitation court.
The inspection covered several ongoing drainage and desilting projects, including works at Itam Market, the Uyo Flyover and adjoining areas being executed by AMITEC Construction Company; drainage channels along Ikot Ekpene Road linking Akpan Essien, Michael Abraham and Nkemba streets; as well as drainage systems in Nsukara Offot, off Nwaniba Road, the New Ring Road corridor, Shelter Afrique Estate and other strategic locations across Uyo.
The delegation also visited the Magistrate Court on Fulga Street, Uyo, where sanitation offenders were arraigned as part of the state’s enforcement efforts.
