Launches Clean Akwa Ibom Brigade, Reintroduces Strict Sanitation Enforcement

 

UYO – Arising from the recent flood menace in some parts of Akwa Ibom and the environs, Governor Umo Eno, has unveiled a far-reaching strategy to tackle the recurring flood disasters across the state.

The Governor also announced plans for a new flood and drainage master plan, the creation of a specialised environmental task force, stricter sanitation enforcement and the demolition of structures obstructing natural drainage channels.

The Governor disclosed the measures while speaking with journalists after an unscheduled inspection of the Judiciary Staff Quarters project in Uyo, describing flood control as a collective responsibility requiring the commitment of both government and residents.

Governor Eno said the state’s existing flood management blueprint has become obsolete in view of rapid urbanisation and expanding infrastructure, stressing the need for a comprehensive review to address emerging environmental realities.

To this end, he directed the Commissioner for Environment to immediately convene environmental experts, engineers and other relevant stakeholders to develop a modern flood and drainage master plan that will guide future infrastructure development, drainage construction and flood mitigation efforts across the state.

“We need to have a state flood and drainage master plan. The one we have is old. There are new developments that have taken place. We are bringing all our experts together and will develop the state flood master plan so that we can use it,” the Governor stated.

As part of the initiative, Governor Eno announced the establishment of the Clean Akwa Ibom Brigade, a specialised unit under the Ministry of Environment charged with ensuring that drainage channels remain free of obstructions and capable of effectively managing storm water.

He explained that the new brigade would complement existing environmental agencies by focusing specifically on drainage maintenance and flood prevention, noting that flood management requires a distinct operational approach beyond routine waste disposal activities.

In one of his strongest warnings against environmental violations, the Governor declared that any structure found on designated drainage routes would be demolished, irrespective of ownership, status or previous approvals.

According to him, government will no longer tolerate developments that compromise public safety by obstructing waterways and aggravating flooding in surrounding communities.

Governor Eno also directed the Ministry of Environment, the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, and the Office of the Attorney-General to establish Environmental Sanitation Courts for the prosecution of sanitation offenders.

He disclosed that, beyond imposing fines, the courts would order community service penalties, compelling offenders to participate in environmental sanitation exercises, particularly the clearing of blocked drains.

The Governor further announced the strict enforcement of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise across the state. Under the new directive, movement will be restricted on the last Saturday of every month from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., with no exemptions for ceremonies, commercial activities or arriving travellers until the exercise is concluded.

While reaffirming government’s commitment to investing in drainage infrastructure and flood management projects, Governor Eno urged residents to complement official efforts by maintaining clean surroundings and adhering strictly to environmental regulations.

“We will do our part, but we also expect all of us as citizens to do our own part too, so that we can solve some of these problems,” he said.

The Governor noted that the measures are part of his administration’s broader commitment to protecting lives and property, safeguarding public infrastructure and promoting a cleaner, safer and environmentally sustainable Akwa Ibom State.

Meanwhile, during the inspection of the Judiciary Staff Quarters project, Governor Eno expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work and the apparent absence of contractors and workers from the site during official working hours.

He described the situation as unacceptable and warned that contractors handling government projects must demonstrate greater commitment and professionalism to ensure timely completion of critical infrastructure projects.