Eno Orders New Flood Master Plan, Demolition of Buildings on Drainage Channels in Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has ordered the preparation of a new flood and drainage master plan to tackle persistent flooding across the state, saying the existing blueprint no longer reflects current realities.

The governor also directed that all buildings obstructing natural drainage channels be demolished, regardless of ownership, status or previous government approvals.

Eno announced the measures while speaking with journalists after an unscheduled inspection of the Judiciary Staff Quarters project in Uyo.

According to him, rapid urbanisation and expanding infrastructure have rendered the state’s existing flood management plan obsolete, making it necessary to develop a modern strategy capable of addressing current environmental challenges.

“We need to have a state flood and drainage master plan. The one we have is old. There are new developments that have taken place. We are bringing all our experts together and will develop the state flood master plan so that we can use it,” the governor said.

To strengthen flood control efforts, Eno approved the establishment of the Clean Akwa Ibom Brigade under the Ministry of Environment.

The unit will be responsible for keeping drainage channels free of blockages and ensuring compliance with environmental sanitation standards across the state.

The governor also directed the Ministry of Environment, the State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency and the Office of the Attorney-General to establish Environmental Sanitation Courts to prosecute individuals who violate sanitation regulations.

Rather than imposing only financial penalties, the governor said offenders would also be sentenced to community service, including clearing blocked drainage channels and participating in environmental clean-up exercises.

As part of broader environmental reforms, Eno declared that movement would be restricted across the state on the last Saturday of every month between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.

He warned that commercial activities, social ceremonies and even travellers arriving during the exercise would not be exempted from the restriction until sanitation activities had been completed.

During his inspection of the Judiciary Staff Quarters project, the governor expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work and criticised the contractors for what he described as negligence and poor commitment.

He said it was unacceptable for construction sites to be deserted during official working hours and warned contractors handling government projects to adhere strictly to agreed timelines or face appropriate sanctions.

Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure, environmental management and urban planning across Akwa Ibom State.