....Commences intensive desilting of drainages
Worried by recent flood cases ravaging, the State Government, through the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, has commenced desilting of blocked drainages in the state.
Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), Hon. Prince Ikim made this known in Uyo on Thursday, in an interaction with our correspondent in his office.
Prince Ikim who expressed appreciation to the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for listening to the pleas of the people, said the agency under his watch has no option than to implement the directives of the governor to ensure a clean, healthy and flood free Akwa Ibom.
He enumerated the causes of flood to include improper waste disposal in gutters, illegal street trading, buildings on the drainages and said his Agency will clamp down on offenders.
In his words, "I will state this categorically, that most of those flood issues are caused by us the citizens and the residents. If you take a look at Nkemba, Michael Abraham, all the way to Ikot Ekpene road, you will see that waste/debris are been thrown into the gutter".
He further stated that since 2006, after the building of those drains, those drains have not been desilted, hence the recent flood cases.
He however revealed that following the recent inspection of areas affected by flood in the state by Governor Emmanuel, the Agency has taken proactive steps to implement the directives of the Governor to desilt the drains.
Ikim expressed thanks to Niger Pet for partnering with the agency.
He cited areas which the agency is currently desilting to include Nkemba, by Abak Road and Abak Road.
In his words, "it's not going to stop there, we are going to take it to Ikot Ekpene road, accross Ikot Ekpene road, we're going to push it to Udoette and emptied it at University of Uyo's ravine. That's phase one, we are actually going to desilt all the gutters, all the drainage in Akwa Ibom State."
He noted that work will extend to four lanes and it's environs, Nwaniba ravine, and the third phase will include Oron road, Shelter Afric, Uruan Street and emptied to Udo Iwang ravine.
Hon. Prince Ikim, who emerged as the Most Media Friendly Board Chairman in Akwa Ibom State in an online contest organized by Dakkada Ibom via it's Facebook handle, urged citizens to assist the government by abiding by the law that prohibits illegal street trading, noting that those engaging in illegal street trading at unauthorized places contributes to flooding challenge when they throw waste into gutters which will block drains.
Speaking on illegal street trading around plaza, the AKSEPWMA Boss quoted Part 2, Section 6 and 7 of Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency Law, Cap 47, 2000 which provides for the function of the agency to stop illegal street trading in unauthorized places, noting that the Ibom Plaza was built for tourism and recreational activities and not for illegal street trading and criminal activities.
Ikim noted that treaders were give 7, 14 and 21 days ultimatum to move into the main Plaza market, after consultation with the Management of Plaza, this according to him was done after a wide sensitization.
On his latest Media Award, Hon. Ikim expressed his shock over his emergence noting that the kind of job he is doing would not have made him emerged as winner of the award.
He dedicated the award to God, to His Excellency, Gov. Udom Emmanuel and wife who has given him the opportunity to serve.
The former Oruk Anam Council Boss, also extented his appreciation to the people of Akwa Ibom State who voted for him.
Earlier, the Dakkada Ibom Media team visited sights of ongoing work by the agency, including Abak Road by Nkemba and the Plaza for on-the sport assessment of the agency, the team expressed satisfaction on Hon. Prince Ikim's led Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency.
It could be recalled that Hon. Prince Ikim emerged winner of Ibom Media Award as the Most Media Friendly Board Chairman in Akwa Ibom State two weeks ago, Prince has since his appointment as the Chairman Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency taken several steps to ensure a clean and healthy Akwa Ibom State, such as Environmental Watch on Comfort FM, Street awareness campaign, jingles on radio, etc.
Meanwhile, plans for Ibom Media Conference and Award Presentation is gaining momentum as organizers will soon announce date for the much anticipated media event.
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