Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Environmental and Waste Management Agency, Hon. Prince Ikim, has expressed deep sense of sadness with the family of the woman reported to have drowned in Abak Road by the Nkemba trough, as a result of Wednesday’s torrential rain.
Ikim, who was accompanied by AKSEPWMA inspection team, Environmental Experts and the United Nations’ (UN) rescue team, made the remark Friday, during an official inspection to the site.
However, it was revealed that the unfortunate incident occurred at the tunnels leading to the decantation pit which originally was made open for emptying water from adjoining streets to the trough.
While expressing sadness over the unfortunate situation, the AKSEPWMA boss assured that the agency will redouble its efforts to ensure corpse of the old woman is found.
It was observed that, flood on Nkemba and adjoining streets is caused by blocked drains and narrow gutters, given that the volume of water in recent times has surpassed the capacity of initial capacity provided for the gutters. This, according to experts review, is attributed to population upsurge and dumping of waste in the drainage.
The Agency boss said the gutters will be desilted once again and the prospect of expanding the entire drainage system to match the volume of water in the area, will be duly prospected.
He used the occasion to call on all and sundry to desist from dumping refuse into drainages.
Meanwhile, the youths and elders of the area who were with the AKSEPWMA team from morning till 8pm, resolved to partner with the State government to bring lasting solution to forestall further occurrence of the incident.
They appreciated the State Government for swift response to their plight by providing the necessary support and equipment in the search of the corpse.
