UYO
Residents whose homes and businesses were submerged by flood have applauded Governor Umo Eno for personally visiting affected areas to assess the extent of the destruction, describing the gesture as proof of a leader who shares in the pains of his people.
From Itam Junction through Nkemba, Akpan Essien, Akpan Udosen, Ewet Housing Estate Extension and several others, many residents who gathered as the governor inspected the affected drainage channels and flooded areas ,said they never expected him to leave his office and walk through the affected areas himself.
They said his presence alone rekindled hope that lasting solutions would finally come to communities that have battled flooding for years.
One of the residents, Mr. Francis Etim, who met the governor during the inspection at Itam Junction, described the visit as an uncommon demonstration of compassionate leadership.
His words: “When leaders come to see things for themselves instead of relying on reports, it gives the people confidence that something will be done. We are grateful you (Governor Umo Eno) came here personally.”
At the Ewet Housing Estate Extension, where floodwater invaded several homes after the heavy rainfall, residents appreciated the governor not only sympathised with affected families but immediately directed officials to intensify emergency response while government works on permanent engineering solutions to the recurring flooding.
Speaking during the inspection, Governor Eno acknowledged the hardship suffered by affected families, assuring them that government would not abandon them.
He said the inspection was necessary to enable him see the situation firsthand as the state reviews its drainage master plan to reflect present-day realities and provide lasting answers to flooding across Uyo and other vulnerable areas.
The state chief executive observed that while the volume of rainfall contributed to the flooding, indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains and the erection of buildings along natural waterways had worsened the situation.
He appealed to residents to support government’s efforts by protecting drainage channels and avoiding practices that obstruct the free flow of storm water.
Eno assured that where buildings have obstructed major drainage corridors, government would engage affected property owners and, where necessary, follow due process, including compensation where applicable, to create adequate drainage channels capable of addressing future flooding.