Akwa Ibom Faces Epidemic And Poverty Crisis Amid Escalating Floods

Akwa Ibom Faces Epidemic And Poverty Crisis Amid Escalating Floods....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Residents of Akwa Ibom, a coastal state in Nigeria, are on high alert as severe flooding devastates homes with no immediate solution in sight……. CONTINUE READING

Earlier, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had listed Akwa Ibom among the 10 states at high risk of flooding in 2024. Recently, Minister of Water Resources Joseph Utserv reported that several states were already experiencing significant flooding and related disasters. He noted that most incidents were flash or urban floods due to heavy rainfall and inadequate or blocked drainage systems.

In Akwa Ibom, consistent rainfall, blocked drainage, and illegal structures on waterways have exacerbated the flooding situation. In Uyo metropolis, areas like Udoette, School Road, Nelson Mandela, Urua Ekpa, Oron Road, and Abak Road face recurrent flooding, resulting in significant property damage. Eket, another area in the state, is also severely affected.

Mr. Samuel Esu, a resident of Edohoeket Street in Eket, lamented that millions of naira worth of properties were damaged by last Friday’s heavy rainfall. He attributed the flooding to improper floodwater channelling leading to blockages. Tragically, the state has also witnessed loss of life due to the floods. A retired director in Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, drowned when his home was submerged at night. Similarly, a security guard for a new generation bank in Eket drowned in floodwaters on Grace Bill Road. Another tragic incident occurred when a trader fell into a flooded gutter on Nkemba Street by Abak Road, Uyo, and her body is yet to be recovered.

Several communities, including Nung Obio Enang, Urua Ekpa, and Afaha Oku villages in Uyo metropolis, were recently submerged by floods, displacing residents. The village council of Afaha Oku, in a “Save Our Souls” letter, appealed to Governor Umo Eno for road rehabilitation to allow residents to return to their homes.

Residents report that the flooding problem has persisted for over 12 years, worsening after the construction of Stadium Road by Julius Berger without adequate drainage. In Urua Ekpa, a state government-awarded flood control project to a local contractor failed, leaving the community in severe flooding.

Activist Franklyn Isong, chairman of the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), criticized both state and federal governments for not taking proactive measures despite warnings from NIMET. He blamed government agencies for allowing illegal structures on waterways and neglecting to clear blocked gutters. Dr. Ifeoma Uzoma, an environmental researcher, highlighted that flooding in Akwa Ibom increases risks of drowning, waterborne diseases, and significant economic and environmental damage. She emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach combining engineering, ecology, and community preparedness to mitigate flooding.

Uzoma advised residents to stop dumping refuse in waterways and relocate from flood-prone areas. She suggested monitoring and alert systems, flood-plain management, construction of flood-control infrastructure, and stormwater management systems as key mitigation strategies.

The Akwa Ibom State government has activated its Emergency Protocol Management System and inspected the estuaries to assess the banks’ condition. Commissioner for Information Ini Ememobong stated that health protocols are in place to address potential health issues arising from flooding, and ongoing sanitation efforts aim to clear gutters and drainages. The state management protocols are on high alert to handle any flooding-related issues.