By joshua Flood Relief in Sight as CUDA Reopens Critical Channel 1 Blockage, Extends Channel to River
As part of the Cross River State Government’s sustained efforts to tackle flooding in the Calabar metropolis, the Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA) has successfully reopened the critical Channel 1 drainage at Efut Efio Ene, the terminal point where major drainage channels across the city discharge into the river.
The drainage channel had become heavily obstructed by refuse indiscriminately dumped into drains across the metropolis, preventing floodwaters from flowing into the river. The blockage resulted in severe waterlogging at Efut Efio Ene, leaving parts of the community submerged and largely uninhabitable during heavy rainfall.
To permanently address the challenge, CUDA not only cleared the accumulated debris but also commenced the construction of a new extension of the Channel 1 drainage. Spanning more than 300 metres, the new channel now conveys water directly into the river, improving water discharge from the city.
Speaking during an inspection of the project, the Executive Secretary of the Calabar Urban Development Authority, Chief Dr. Effiong Ayi, said the intervention is part of Governor Bassey Otu’s strategy to reduce flooding and improve environmental resilience across the state capital.
“The blocked Channel 1 drainage which caused the high rise of flooding has been cleared. The Governor also directed an extension of the drainage from this village to the river, which is has been opened up.”
He attributed the persistent flooding experienced in parts of Calabar to indiscriminate refuse disposal by some residents, stressing that the reopening of the drainage has already produced visible results.
“What caused the flood is the blockage of the Channel 1 drainage by refuse disposed into drainages by irresponsible residents. Now that this channel has been opened up, you can see the water flowing freely. That’s why in the last two days, the flood in the city has reduced, no matter the level of rainfall.”
Chief Ayi further disclosed that the authority has intensified desilting operations across the metropolis to improve the efficiency of existing drainage infrastructure.
While acknowledging that Calabar’s drainage infrastructure has come under increasing pressure from rapid urbanisation and changing weather patterns, he said the state government has already initiated plans to expand major drainage channels across the city.
“The problem we have is that the drainages built over 30 years ago were not designed for the population and climate realities we have today. Governor Bassey Otu has directed that the drainages be expanded. But with what we have done here, we will not experience that high level of flooding again. Flooding has been brought to its barest minimum,” he said.
SOURCE: NATE O. OTABA FACEBOOK PAGE