Visits several flood-prone locations across the metropolis, including Emmanuel Methodist Cathedral, Oron Road
By James Akan
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Published on July 9, 2026
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3 min read
The Executive Chairman of the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), Hon. Anietie Eka, has reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to strict physical planning and development control following the heavy rainfall that triggered flooding in several parts of Uyo Capital City on Thursday.
Hon. Eka, who immediately embarked on an assessment tour of the affected areas, visited several flood-prone locations across the metropolis, including Emmanuel Methodist Cathedral, Oron Road, where he inspected the impact of the flooding and interacted with residents.
While describing the incident as a stark reminder of the growing effects of climate change, the Chairman noted that flooding has become a global environmental challenge requiring proactive government intervention and responsible public conduct.
He, however, observed that the timely investments of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, in road construction, drainage expansion, flood control infrastructure and environmental sanitation significantly reduced what could have been a far more devastating situation across the Capital City.
The Chairman noted that while the volume of rainfall was unprecedented in many locations, government cannot successfully mitigate flooding if natural waterways are obstructed by illegal developments and indiscriminate waste disposal.
He disclosed that the Uyo Capital City Development Authority is set to commence another phase of its city-wide development control exercise aimed at removing shanties and illegal structures encroaching on flood control corridors, waterways and government rights-of-way.
“Our responsibility is to protect the Capital City’s physical plan. The exercise is not because of today’s rainfall; it is part of our statutory responsibility to ensure that flood control corridors remain free from encroachment. We are using this opportunity to once again warn residents to desist from erecting structures on waterways and to stop dumping refuse into drainage channels,” he said.
The Chairman further called on residents to take the weather forecasts issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) seriously by avoiding unnecessary exposure during heavy rainfall and supporting government’s efforts to maintain a clean and orderly environment.
He emphasized that government alone cannot eliminate flooding, stressing that public compliance with physical planning and development control regulations remains critical to protecting lives and property.
“Government will continue to invest in infrastructure and enforce development control measures. Residents must also play their part by respecting waterways, keeping drainages free of refuse and complying with established planning regulations. Together, we can substantially reduce the impact of flooding and protect our communities,” he concluded.
