Eno announces flood control measures as group calls for victims’ compensation

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has announced a far-reaching measures aimed at tackling flooding, improving environmental sanitation, and restoring order across the State.

The announcement came on the heels of the devastating flood last week which caused many homes and business premises to be submerged.

According the governor, the measures include the development of a new state flood and drainage master plan, the establishment of the Clean Akwa Ibom Brigade, the creation of a sanitation court, and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations.

Governor Eno made the announcements on Wednesday during an inspection of the Judiciary Quarters Project in Uyo.

Eno said the existing flood and drainage master plan had become outdated due to rapid urban expansion and new developments across the state, making it necessary to develop a fresh plan that reflects current realities.

“We need to have a state flood and drainage master plan. The one we have is old, and there are new developments that have taken place. I’ve directed the Commissioner for Environment to bring up the maps. We’re bringing all our experts together, and we’ll develop the state’s flood master plan so that we can use it,” he said.

He directed the immediate establishment of the Clean Akwa Ibom Brigade under the Ministry of Environment to ensure drainage channels remain free from waste and other obstructions.

“I’ve directed the immediate setting up of the Clean Akwa Ibom Brigade. This will be under the Ministry of Environment. We will empower the people to make sure our flood channels remain clean,” he stated.

The governor warned that any structure built on designated drainage channels would be demolished, regardless of the owner’s identity or social standing.

“Anyone that built on a drainage path will have that building demolished, irrespective of who is involved. People do things as if there’s no law,” he warned.

Calling for greater civic responsibility, Eno criticized what he described as a culture of environmental neglect, stressing that residents must take ownership of cleanliness rather than relying solely on government intervention.

“We must learn to be a disciplined society. In other climates, if you leave your grass unattended, the council comes, clears it and sends you the bill. But here people enjoy living with overgrown grass in their compounds, and the next thing is ‘government, government’,” he said.

To strengthen enforcement, the governor disclosed that he had directed the Ministry of Environment, the Akwa Ibom State Waste Management Agency, and the Office of the Attorney General to establish a sanitation court to prosecute environmental offenders.

He said persons who violate sanitation regulations, including those who disregard the stipulated time for environmental sanitation, would face prosecution and could be sentenced to community service.

Governor Eno further warned that the State’s monthly environmental sanitation exercise would continue to receive strict enforcement until environmental standards improve significantly.

He directed residents to schedule private events such as weddings and burials outside sanitation hours, warning that movements into the state during restricted periods would not be permitted.

“If you have your wedding or burial, put it for 11:00 a.m.; don’t put it for 10:00 a.m. We won’t allow you. If you are coming into the state, don’t come in before 10:00 a.m. You will stay at the airport until environmental sanitation is over,” he said.

The governor maintained that the government must demonstrate the political will to enforce environmental laws without fear or favour if Akwa Ibom is to overcome its sanitation and flooding challenges.

“We need to now begin to show that government can bark, and it can bite, so that we can solve some of these problems,” Governor Eno added.

Meanwhile, the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has called for the payment of compensation to the flood victims.

In a statement, Franklyn Isong, Director of the organisation
expressed profound grief over the devastating flood that recently ravaged Uyo and other parts of Akwa Ibom State, resulting in the reported tragic loss of lives.

“CHRAN therefore calls on the Government of Akwa Ibom State to take immediate and practical steps to address the current situation.
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‎”Provide immediate relief materials, including food, clean water, temporary shelter, medical assistance, and other essential supplies to affected families, ” it stated.