Flood Threatens Uyo Residents

Some residents of Mbiabong, Atan Offot, Ikpa Road and Mbiokporo Nsit, all in Uyo, are struggling to save their property following a downpour, yesterday.

Many inhabitants were rendered homeless as their homes were flooded.

A resident, Mr Okon Archibong, said that residents in Mbiabong were already relocating due to the incessant flooding in the area.

He said that a series of Save-our-Souls (SOS) messages sent to the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Enonbong Uwa, yielded no positive result to prevent recurrence.

“We did not even benefit from the Federal Government largesse of relief materials for flood victims of last year.”

On her part, a land lady in Mbiabong, Mrs Regina Akpan, described the situation as worrisome and attributed the cause of the flood to poor drainage system at the Shelter Afrique Housing Estate.

She claimed that the government had refused to assist the residents in spite of their request regarding the flooding issue.

Also speaking, a victim at Ikpa Road which is close to the University of Uyo, Mr Ekanem Bassey, said that all his tenants had relocated due to the incessant flooding.

He said that the flood had “swallowed” his compound and “based on this situation, I find it difficult in meeting my family’s needs because that is my major source of income”.

Reacting to the allegation, the Commissioner has urged the residents to exercise some patience as the government was already addressing the problem.

“We are aware of the flood situation in some areas in Uyo but work is in progress to address the issue,” he said.

He said that the underground pipe jacket system being built by the state government across the state capital was aimed at addressing flood-related issues.