All is set for the commencement of 7.2 km road flood control project in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital estimated to cost N12 billion.
The World Bank assisted project awarded to China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) covers 17 communities in three local government areas Uyo, Nsit Ibom and Ibesikpo Asutan.
Charles Udoh, commissioner for environment and petroleum resources who made this known said his ministry has commenced the process of first phase of payment of compensations for the project which is expected to be completed in 18months.
He said Governor Udom Emmanuel was moved because for over 15 years several communities including parts of the State Secretariat, the Mechanic Village,the Police Headquarters at Ikot Akpan Abia, and the Babangida Avenue, among others, have been impassable during rainy days.
“The project costs so much, and the state government could not handle it all alone. We made an appealed to Federal Government but there was no response.
“However the Governor was able to secure the support of World bank to partner with the state on the project, don’t forget His Excellency has been a top executive in one of the best banks in the country, and so his high integrity profile was able to secure the deal with world bank.
“The Governor made a promise, today we are grateful because we are in the process of evacuating the flood, this morning
we will start paying compensation through counterpart funds released by the state government and evacuation will commence soonest at that site as the contractors have started ground mappings.”
He said that Akwa Ibom State Government is so meticulous in project delivery as standard environmental impact assessment have been carried out.
He said the drainage projects will comprise both underground and surface drains which are 6.8m wide and 3.4 m deep, while fences will be built to cover open drains, with culverts available.
According to him, apart from compensation in cash, mini water projects would be executed in communities where sources of drinking water are affected by the project.
On the issues the activities of multinational oil companies in the state, Udoh said that the Ministry of Environment and Petroleum Resources will continue to serve as a mediator between communities and International Oil Companies, to ensure that a standardised MoU template is signed to enable oil companies carry out their cooperate social responsibilities.
He disclosed that Nigeria’s local content law would soon be domesticated in the state as a draft has been sent to ministry of justice for vetting which would subsequently be sent to the State House of Assembly as well as Petroleum Industry Bill which is also being looked into.
He maintained that environmental health is one of the priorities of Governor Udom’s administration adding that he has set up a committee to act between the host communities and the oil companies.
