The Akwa Ibom State Government has assured victims of flooded areas in the State of swift intervention and assistance.
The Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Flood/Disaster Management Monitoring/Coordinating Committee, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, gave the assurance, Sunday morning, during an on-the-spot assessment of the Ewet Housing Extension flood incident, following Saturday evening’s heavy downpour.
Senator Eyakenyi who was conducted around the affected areas by residents in the company of the Managing Director of Hensek Integrated Services, Engr. Uwem Okoko, said the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, remains committed to mitigating flood disasters in the State and directed immediate documentation of the victims.
“I am here today with a heavy heart because of what has happened, especially since lives are involved. It’s unfortunate that this happened.
“There has been an alert by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) about the 2024 flood prediction, and Akwa Ibom is one of the States highlighted.
“As soon as the Governor received that message, he mobilized everyone concerned into action. A Committee was set up to identify areas highlighted to be affected by flood. The Governor directed that all 31 Local Government Areas be covered and that has been done.
“If an emergency like the one we have witnessed here happened in the daytime, I don’t think we would have recorded any casualty. As soon as the message came, the government team led by Hensek Integrated moved in and the water is being drained to save lives and properties.
“The Governor of Akwa Ibom State is interested in ensuring that flood mitigation is properly handled. He started with the Atiku flood area, which has been completed. Currently, Bulletin is handling the Brooks Street-Udo Inwang area, which would have affected the Prisons and its environs. If you go there, you will agree that the present administration is doing well in that respect”, she said.
The Deputy Governor promised that the state government under Pastor Eno would take necessary steps to avert such disasters in the future and assured the affected families of government support.
“The next movement was to this estate. We have a design of the estate indicating where water channels should be. I am very sure that the government will immediately move in and do something about the estate. I’ve gone around and seen all the buildings that are affected.
“I want to advise our people, when building, to raise their structures so that when roads are constructed in the future, it will not affect such buildings. Akwa Ibom State is a rain-prone area which is susceptible to flooding. We also need to be conscious of where we dump debris. Don’t dump refuse in gutters and other waterways.
“I can guarantee the people of Akwa Ibom State that the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, is interested in saving lives and properties. So, we are moving in here. The government will do something to support the affected families,” she added.
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