The Delta State governor and Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election was at Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday, where he commissioned a $34 million, 8.4km long flood control project executed by the Udom Emmanuel administration in partnership with the World Bank through the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).
The commissioning of the project, which covers 18 communities will alleviate the perennial flooding problems in the parts of the state, was part of activities to mark the state’s 35th anniversary.
The flood project is part of 17 projects the Emmanuel Udom administration has lined up for commissioning in the week-long activities to commemorate the founding of the State which was separated from Cross Rivers state in 1987.
Okowa applauded the state Governor, Udom Emmanuel, for having the courage to undertake the project, which has gulped billions of naira and had little political value.
“It takes a bold and courageous leader to do this because, after some time, people would forget what was buried underground. So, only great men who look into the future would do this,” Okowa said.
He noted that the youths’ cooperation in supporting the project showed hope for the country, adding that such a disposition would continue to attract growth and development to the state.
While speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, commended the World Bank through NEWMAP for partnering with the state in arresting the perennial flood problem, pointing out that the flood had sacked many landlords and residents of the affected communities.
He noted that experts had discouraged him from embarking on the project during a tour of the state in the early days of his administration, but “I told them I do not run away from challenges; I take them headlong,” he added.
Governor Emmanuel explained that the facility carries more than half of the flood water generated in Uyo and its environs, adding that with the project, the perennial challenge of floods in the area was now a thing of the past.
Emmanuel reiterated his administration’s commitment to arrest flooding and erosion situations across the state while explaining that the $34 million spent on the project demonstrated his commitment to the development of the state.
Corroborating the governor, the Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals, Charles Udoh, said the IBB Avenue intervention was meant to provide a permanent and comprehensive solution to the problem of perennial flooding in the surrounding communities.
“It was done by constructing a combination of underground and open reinforced concrete storm water drains spanning about 8.4km and designed for a total discharge capacity of 80.43m3/s,” he added.
