AKSG Assures Flood Victims of Necessary Assistance

Following the catastrophic nature of flood and its effects on human, Akwa Ibom State Government has assured flood victims in the state of necessary assistance that will be prompt and timely.

Governor Udom Emmanuel, who made this known during an on-the-spot assessment of flood 

situation and its attendant damages in Eket on Tuesday, charged citizens and stakeholders to be responsible and join in the fight against flood, adding that “people should always seek advice and approval from town planners before setting up structures to avoid emergency like this."

Represented by his deputy, Mr. Moses Ekpo, the Governor, while sympathizing with the flood victims, frowned at the extent to which people could go in putting up structures, even on drainages and waterways, one he said could cause their lives and that of others.

He appealed to the construction company handling the Eket-Oron Road, which some of the flood victims accused of being the cause of their predicament, to remedy the situation and assist the people in whatever way it could.

The Governor further ordered the owner of Citadel of Praise Church International, an illegal structure that was not approved by the state government, Pastor David Mkpanam, to relocate immediately for the safety of his members and the people of the area.
Accompanied by a former Minister of Lands and Housing, Chief Nduese Essien; the Vice Chairman of Eket Local Government Council, Mr. Victor Henry, and members of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Governor visited Palace of the Clan Head of Idua, Obong ECD Abia; residents of 88 Eket-Oron Road; Citadel of Praise Church International; the residence of a 87-year old victim, Chief Bassey Nkanta of Ikot Okubom, Okon Eket, among others.

Also speaking, the Site Agent of the construction company, Mr. Ghanem Gitto, said they were seriously working to ensure total arrest of the situation, according to him, “though we never expected this level of rainfall, we will do everything possible to help the people. The drainage we have made, which is outside our contract, is 3Km. it is our own of helping the people.”

Some of the flood victims, who spoke, expressed delight over the continuous commitment of the state government towards the development and welfare of its people.