By Ifiok Itiaba, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Environment has commended Governor Umo Eno for his intervention in the erosion menace along Uyo Village Road in Uyo Local Government Area, describing the reclamation project as a significant step towards addressing the environmental challenges in the area.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Pius Pius, who represents Okobo State Constituency, gave the commendation on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, during an inspection tour of the ongoing reclamation project.
Pius also commended the Managing Director of Akwa Ibom Investment and Management Company (AMITEC), Engr. Aiman Saimua, for the efforts being made to control the erosion and address the flooding and environmental challenges associated with the dumpsite in the area.
He advised the contractors to exercise caution in redirecting the flow of water and ensure that all aspects of the project complied with required quality standards to prevent future failures.
He urged the AMITEC management to approach the House of Assembly for intervention whenever necessary to ensure the successful completion of the project.
Also speaking, a member of the committee representing Nsit State Constituency, Prince Aniefiok Attah, commended the state government for intervening in the erosion crisis, noting that the menace had previously destroyed the former stadium located in the area.
Attah also applauded the government for the reclamation of more than 100 hectares of land, stressing that the alteration of natural waterways could create serious environmental challenges in the future.
However, the Deputy Chairman of the committee, Hon. Udobia Udobia, stressed on the need for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project, and advice that the ongoing work should be executed in conformity with the relevant environmental assessment.
Responding, the Managing Director of AMITEC, Engr. Aiman Saimua, explained that the erosion valley had the potential to extend towards Government House and affect Barracks Road and other adjoining areas if left unchecked.
He attributed the development largely to the volume of water flowing into the area and said the company had constructed relief drains and commenced the reclamation works in line with specifications provided by the supervising authorities.
Saimua said the intervention included the construction of about 260 metres of dual carriageway and drainage infrastructure, as well as a 60-metre-wide channel designed to convey water from the Government House axis and facilitate seamless water flow.
According to him, the project would also lead to the reclamation of more than 50 hectares of prime land, while additional areas, including portions measuring about 100 by 50 metres and another estate of approximately 100 hectares, would be recovered.
He said the intervention would also enable the government to reclaim more than 100 hectares of land that would otherwise have remained unusable, while addressing refuse dumps that had existed in the area for more than two decades.
The AMITEC boss identified persistent heavy rainfall as the major challenge confronting the project but assured that the work would be delivered to the required standard.
He said, “The project will be completed within the next three to four months because we cannot afford to have another rainy season meet us here.
“We do not also have a problem of funding because His Excellency has made all the needed releases.”
Conducting the committee members round the project site, Saimua explained that the drainage structures were being constructed at four-metre intervals, with double-reinforced layered floors designed to withstand the impact of running water.
He added that the drains were being opened upward with a 10-metre opening, while another drainage channel was being constructed on the opposite lane to ensure sustainability and effective water management.
The committee members who participated in the oversight inspection included the Deputy Chairman, Hon. Udobia Udobia; Prince Aniefiok Attah and Hon. Moses Essien. Hon Ubong Attah
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