The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called on traders in Akwa Ibom State to engage in proper waste disposal practices to prevent flooding during the rainy season. During a workshop at Itam Market in Uyo, NEMA’s State Head of Operations, Mrs. Mmandu Aisueni, emphasized that indiscriminate waste disposal clogs drainage systems, exacerbating flood risks. She highlighted that effective waste management—including waste reduction, recycling, and proper treatment—is crucial for maintaining a healthy environment and reducing pollution.
Aisueni also referenced the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency’s 2024 Annual Flood Outlook, which identified Eastern Obolo, Ikot Abasi, and Ibeno as high-risk flood areas, with 14 other local government areas at moderate risk. She warned that some moderate-risk areas, such as Mbo, Oron, Eket, Esit Eket, and Itu, might become high-risk, while Uyo metropolis could experience flash floods due to heavy runoff and clogged drains. In response, the Akwa Ibom State government, through Commissioner for Environment Mr. Uno Etim Uno, reiterated its commitment to proactive waste management and flood control measures, urging traders to cooperate by disposing of waste properly.
