July 12, (THEWILL) – Residents of erosion-prone areas in Uyo metropolis in the Akwa Ibom State capital have defied the government’s directive to vacate some areas as the flood menace continued to threaten the landscape and buildings around the environment.
The areas include Asutan Street, Ikpa and Uyo village road, which have been completely cut off, even as vehicular activities have been discontinued while some buildings are at the verge of collapse.
THEWILL gathered that instead of the residents to adhere to government directives to vacate those areas, they sent Save Our Soul messages to Governor Udom Emmanuel, requesting for alternative accommodation.
In a letter dated December, 17, 2020 and a reminder in June, the victims, under the body of Asutan Street Ravine Neighbourhood Landlords Forum, pleaded with the Governor to either address the issue of ravine encroachment or pay them compensation to enable them relocate to a safe environment.
They however expressed fears that as the rains are getting intense, landslides may be triggered and more buildings risk collapse.
Part of the letter read, “The rains are getting serious this year and we are already traumatized that the advancement of the ravine encroachment will swallow our buildings, leaving us homeless like refugees in our fatherland.
“Our Dear Governor Sir, we are in dire straits, please help us out of this nightmare, we cannot foretell what will befall us should the advancement of the ravine meet us still staying in the area.
“We make a passionate appeal to pay us compensation to enable us relocate to a safer place than the ravine.”
Similarly, residents of Ikpa Road and its environs in Uyo have also raised the alarm over the collapsed section.
It was gathered that the road, which leads to the Government Science Park and the Uyo City Polytechnic, a private institution in the state, collapsed due to encroachment from deep gully erosion, thereby rendering the place impassable.
Another resident who identified himself as Emmanuel Okon called on the state government to save lives and property by intervening on the road without delay.
“We are calling on the state government to save us from this looming disaster. It needs urgent attention because if it rains two or three times again, the buildings will collapse,” he said.
It was also gathered that the people of Use Offot Uyo, have been threatened by the flood menace.
However, the Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals, Mr. Charles Udoh, has at different forums, advised the occupants of Asutan Street and other erosion-prone areas to vacate to a safer place and save their lives first.
It was gathered however from the residents that no provision was made for their relocation by the state government.
But the Environment Commissioner has already issued a threat notice with the erection of caution barriers around the vicinity.
Udoh, in a statement, explained that the caution barriers were to prevent human and vehicular traffic from falling into the ravine.
The statement in parts, “This was to allow for site evaluation survey, development of engineering drawings as well as Bill of Engineering Measurements and Evaluation to guide the restoration works. These processes are currently ongoing.
“In the interim, members of the public are advised to avoid the vicinity, while motorists should use alternative routes.
“Residents, citizens and businesses in the affected neighborhoods are advised to remain vigilant and evacuate the vicinity for now.”
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