BY - PASTOR BILL FRANCIS BILL
The Honourable Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Ankpo Pius Edet, alongside the Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Hon. NSA Gill, and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Communications, Ambassador Pastor Bill Francis Bill, visited flood-affected communities in Calabar South Local Government Area, including Ibesikpo, Mane Avenue by Atakpa, Atakpa, Atu by Weber, Hart Street, and Jebs, to assess the extent of the damage caused by the recent flooding. Speaking during the inspection, Hon. Ankpo Pius Edet attributed the recurring flooding largely to the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into gutters and drainage channels, which obstructs the free flow of stormwater during heavy rainfall. He explained that many of Calabar’s drainage systems were designed years ago and can no longer accommodate the increasing volume of runoff resulting from rapid urban development. He disclosed that the Ministry has adopted a modern drainage design that will be implemented in strategic locations to improve water flow and reduce flooding. The Commissioner also revealed that about 1.5 kilometres of the drainage corridor around the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) had been completely blocked by refuse and debris, emphasizing that restoring the drainage network and promoting proper environmental sanitation remain vital to achieving a lasting solution to the flood challenge.
Speaking during the assessment, the Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Hon. NSA Gill, called on residents to partner with the government by protecting public infrastructure and avoiding the indiscriminate disposal of refuse into gutters and drainage channels. He stressed that environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility and that government efforts alone cannot permanently solve the flooding problem without the cooperation of citizens. He commended the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for its prompt response to the situation and assured affected communities that the administration of His Excellency, Governor Prince Bassey Otu, remains committed to delivering practical, long-term solutions that will protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure across Cross River State.
Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Communications, Ambassador Pastor Bill Francis Bill, applauded the People’s First Administration of His Excellency, Governor Prince Bassey Otu, for demonstrating responsive leadership by taking immediate steps to assess the flood situation and provide lasting solutions. He stated that Governor Otu’s number one priority is to ensure that the people of Cross River State remain safe in every local government through quality infrastructure, effective drainage systems, and people-oriented policies. Pastor Bill urged residents to support the government’s efforts by maintaining a clean environment and keeping drainage channels free of refuse, expressing confidence that, with continued collaboration between government and the people, Cross River State will overcome its flooding challenges and continue on the path of sustainable development.
Signed:
Ambassador Pastor Bill Francis BillSpecial Assistant to His Excellency Apostle Governor Prince Otu on Community Communications