Devastating Flood: A’Ibom Govt Issues Demolition Threat On Structures Blocking Waterways

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UYO – Akwa Ibom State Government has threatened that buildings obstructing natural waterways would be demolished where necessary, to prevent a recurrence of Thursday disaster which displaced residents and submerged homes across parts of the state.

The government has also mobilised the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other relevant agencies to begin rapid assessment of affected communities, with a view to providing relief materials and identifying areas requiring urgent intervention.

Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi who announced the measure in Uyo on Friday, described the situation as heartbreaking, saying the state government was determined to act swiftly to reduce the suffering of affected residents.

“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,” she said.

She disclosed that emergency response teams had already been dispatched to flooded communities to assess the extent of damage and determine the immediate needs of victims.

The Deputy Governor said government would also commence the desilting of blocked drainage channels across affected areas, warning that any structure found to be obstructing natural waterways would be removed to restore the free flow of floodwater and safeguard lives and property.

According to her, the intervention forms part of the Umo Eno administration’s broader strategy to strengthen disaster response and reduce the impact of recurring floods on communities across the state.

Eyakenyi, however, said the success of the government’s efforts would depend largely on the cooperation of residents, lamenting that indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains had contributed significantly to the blockage of drainage channels in many parts of the state.

She urged residents to adopt proper waste disposal practices and support ongoing environmental sanitation efforts to prevent avoidable flooding, especially during the peak of the rainy season.

While expressing sympathy to families whose homes, businesses and livelihoods were affected by the flood, the Deputy Governor assured them that the government would continue to provide the necessary support while implementing long-term measures to minimise the impact of future flooding.

She reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, insisting that every necessary step would be taken to improve drainage infrastructure, restore blocked waterways and strengthen emergency response mechanisms across Akwa Ibom State.