The World Bank has earmarked the sum of N32billion ($100.2 million) for a drainage project to tackle flood in Akwa Ibom, according to the state commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Iniobong Essien. The project would be carried out in partnership with the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).

“For the IBB Way flood control project, designs have been put in place and the initial cost of N52 billion reduced to about N32 billion. Once the drainage is constructed, the number of catchment areas around Atan Offot, Atiku Abubakar, Abak road and the state secretariat complex would be completely de-flooded,” Essien said.

He explained that floods in areas in the state would be channeled through a 7.5km drain to an outfall at Ibesikpo-Asutan local government area. The World Bank fund would also help to finance two major erosion sites at Etim Usanga and Anua both in Uyo local government area of the state.

Anita Fatunji