A’Ibom govt sets aside N2bn for compensation

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Government, on Tuesday said it has set aside N2 billion to pay compensation for those whose land and crops would be affected when flood control drainage project begins at IBB Avenue.

The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Charles Udoh, said this while speaking with journalists in Uyo on Tuesday.

According to him, work has commenced on the N14 billion World Bank assisted project, meant to control flooding in an area reputed to be the lowest point and the epicentre of flooding, which has constituted a menace to residents.

He stated that the 8.4km drainage project was expected to be completed before rainy season.

Udoh added that excavation and casting have been completed in some places to enable the drains carry flood water before the rains start.

He said that the drainage project was awarded to China Roads and Bridges Corporation, after an international bidding process in May 2020.

Udoh said that the project was expected to last for 19 months, with the World Bank providing N12 billion and the state government providing the balance of N2 billion.

He said that when completed, the drainage would serve as the major link for many other flood control drains and would solve most of the perennial flood problems in Uyo metropolis.

“The project spans over 8.4km stretch and is designed to carry flood waters from IBB Avenue to Ibesikpo cutting across 17 communities excluding the four communities that host the construction yard.

“The 17 communities cut across Uyo, Nsit Ibom and Ibesikpo Asutan LGAs and the project is the biggest NEWMAP project in Nigeria today.

“So, it’s like building a river and we are going to cover the drains in built up areas to avoid casualties.

“While the less built-up areas will have perimetre fences on both sides of the drain and a service road to ensure that people can patrol and conduct checks and service the drains when the need arises.

“We are also aware that some natural sources of water would be destroyed by the project, and so we are providing remediation measures by providing boreholes for such places and communities whose natural source of drinking water will be affected.

“We are also building bridges in communities that could be cut into two by the drains,” Udoh said.

The commissioner added that a new technology was been deployed to ensure that the drainage would not hamper the continuous existence or damage its outfall.

On dredging, the commissioner said that the ministry has streamlined the activities of miners and sand dredgers in the state to reduce the negative impact of their business on the environment.