Cross River State Governor Senator Bassey Otu has approved an emergency desilting of major drainages across the state to reduce the risk of flooding during the upcoming rainy season. The exercise was officially flagged off in Calabar by Dr. Ayi Effiong, Executive Secretary of the Calabar Urban Development Authority. Effiong stated that the intervention is a proactive measure aimed at clearing blockages in key drainage systems to ensure proper water flow. The work will focus on major urban corridors in Calabar where flooding has caused disruptions in previous years. No specific timeline or budget for the project was disclosed. The initiative is part of broader environmental management efforts by the state government. Local residents have welcomed the move, noting that stagnant water from poor drainage often leads to health and mobility challenges. The Calabar Urban Development Authority is overseeing the implementation.
Senator Bassey Otu's approval of emergency drainage desilting reveals a reactive approach to a problem that recurs with predictable regularity in Calabar. Despite annual flooding, the need to flag off an "emergency" response suggests long-term infrastructure planning has been sidelined. The fact that major drainages still require urgent clearing before rainfall begins points to gaps in off-season maintenance. This cycle of last-minute interventions offers little assurance to residents who face property damage and health risks each year. If desilting only happens when rain looms, the state is managing symptoms, not solving the problem.
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