By: Ubong Sampson — Uyo
Akwa Ibom state government has reassured the public of its determination to complete ongoing erosion and flood control projects in the state .
The state commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals, Sir Charles Udoh stated this while fielding questions from newsmen during the tour of gully erosion intervention sites at Ikpa road by Uyo village road and Calabar Itu highway
The commissioner who described Governor Emmanuel as a people- oriented and caring leader , noted that the governor will leave no stone unturned in making funds available to complete the projects
He commended contractors on the speed injected to deliver and charged them to double up effort to make remarkable improvement during the dry season.
” Erosion and flood is very enormous and costly to manage all over the world and it takes a people-oriented governor like Governor Udom Emmanuel who has expended enormous resources to tackle the menace of erosion and flooding in the state.” The commissioner said.
He revealed that one of the major causes of erosion gullies is improper termination of storm water drainages without regards to standard design and environmental safety which he said has threatened lives , livelihoods, properties and public infrastructure and disrupting economic activities.
He assured the citizens and residents that government has taken steps to present future occurrence.
The gully erosion projects in Ikpa road and Calabar Itu Highway handled by Nigerpet structures Ltd and Amitech Construction & Development Company Ltd have reached advance stage
Also speaking, the Project Manager, Nigerpet Structures Ltd , Engr. Ubong Etuk assured the Commissioner that the company is working round the clock to ensure timely completion of the intervention work.
The commissioner who was accompanied by Director of Erosion and Flood, Mr. Okon Effiong and other staff of the Ministry also visited an erosion threatening site at St. Vincent school for inclusive Education at Adiaha Obong, Ewet Housing Estate to ascertain the extent of damage to the school.
It can be recalled that last week , the commissioner alongside contractors , undertook inspection of the the IBB Flood Control Project to see the progress and quality of work geared towards eradicating flood waters in Uyo.
The project covers 17 villages in three Local Government Areas of Uyo, Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Ibom.
