THE Akwa Ibom State Government has stepped up measures aimed at preventing flooding and safeguarding lives and property following recent incidents of heavy rainfall and flash floods across parts of the state.
Speaking with journalists, the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources (Petroleum and Solid Minerals), Nsikak Ekong, emphasized that proper waste management and strict adherence to environmental regulations are essential to addressing the flooding challenge.
Ekong commended Governor Umo Eno for his prompt response to the recent flooding incidents, noting that the governor immediately directed relevant agencies to intervene in affected communities.
Agencies mobilised for the exercise include the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Management Agency (AKSEMA), and the Ministry of Works.
According to the commissioner, these agencies have been tasked with clearing blocked drainage channels, assessing affected locations, and implementing measures to reduce the impact of flooding across the state.
He also highlighted the state’s Waste-to-Wealth Initiative, describing it as a sustainable waste management programme that not only addresses environmental concerns but also creates economic opportunities for residents. Under the initiative, organic waste will be converted into fertiliser, while recyclable materials will be processed into useful products.
Ekong further revealed that the government has intensified public awareness campaigns to educate residents on environmental practices that contribute to flooding, particularly indiscriminate waste disposal.
He identified the dumping of refuse into drainage channels as one of the major causes of flooding in the state and urged residents to take responsibility for keeping their environment clean.
The commissioner also pointed to the construction of buildings in unauthorised locations and the practice of sweeping waste into gutters as additional factors worsening flood situations.
He encouraged residents to separate organic and inorganic waste to facilitate easier collection and recycling by approved waste handlers.
Residents were advised to engage only licensed private waste collectors and ensure that refuse is disposed of at approved collection points.
On environmental compliance, Ekong warned against erecting structures in prohibited areas, stressing that the government would enforce environmental laws and prosecute violators.
He specifically cautioned against farming activities within the IBB drainage corridor, stating that compensation had already been paid to occupants of the affected area and that the land is designated for public infrastructure projects.
“The government will not permit farming activities around the IBB drainage corridor. Compensation has already been paid, and the area has been reserved for public infrastructure development,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Director of Flood Control and Erosion, Okon Effiong, disclosed that desilting operations have commenced at strategic locations across the state, beginning from the Nkemba axis.
According to him, the exercise forms part of the government’s wider flood mitigation strategy aimed at improving water flow through drainage systems and reducing the impact of heavy rainfall.
The commissioner reiterated that protecting the environment is a collective responsibility and called on residents to support government initiatives by maintaining clean surroundings and embracing responsible waste disposal practices.
He added that these efforts are in line with the objectives of the ARISE Agenda to build a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Akwa Ibom State.
