The World Bank in partnership with the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project, NEWMAP has set aside the sum of N32 billion to tackle flooding in Akwa Ibom State.
The amount is to address perennial issue of flooding ravaging IBB Avenue and other parts of Uyo, the state capital.
The State Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Dr. Iniobong Essien, announced the intention Tuesday on telephone.
He said that the drainage project would be implemented in phases and when completed, would reduce the incidence of flooding in the state.
He said, “For the IBB flooding, designs have been put, that were initially meant to cost about N52 billion but it will take about N32 billion.
“We are lucky, it has been phased, such that it is going to be easier to implement.
“Once the drainage is implemented, the number of catchments areas around there, Atan Offot, Atiku Abubakar, Abak road, the secretariat will be completely de-flooded.”
He further stressed that the flooded area would be channeled through 7.5 kilometer drainage to an outfall at Ibesikpo-Asutan local government area.
Essien revealed that the World Bank, through its partners has shown serious commitment in tackling the challenge of erosion in Akwa Ibom.
He also said that the financial institution is concluding arrangements to finance two major Erosion sites at Etim Umana and Anua both in Uyo local government area.
The Commissioner noted that there are over 1,000 erosion sites across the 31 local governments but emphasized that the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel was working round the clock to ensure that all of them were tackled.
