The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly committee on Environment has taken steps to assess the level of work done at the ongoing erosion intervention and reclamation project. at Uyo Village Road.
The committee led by it’s Chairman, Mr Pius Bassey lauded the governor, Pastor Umo Eno for the project, adding that the project underscores the provision of the ARISE Agenda of the administration .
Mr Bassey who is also the member representing Okobo state Constituency, while commending the contractor noted that the intervention has addressed a major environmental challenge posed by the ravine and former dumpsite, stressing that the reclamation of the area would not only control erosion and flooding but would also recover valuable land for future urban development.
He however urged the contractor to contact the House whenever issues requiring legislative intervention arise.
Giving an overview of the project, the contractor Chief Aiman Saimua, explained that on arrival at the site the root course of the eroson was identified leading to the commencement of remedial works in stages, including blocking affected sections, diverting the water flow, constructing relief drains and reclaiming the eroded areas.
In their separate remarks, members of the Committee sought clarification on whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been conducted for the project and appropriate environmental mitigation measures were being implemented.
This the contractor responded by assuring the lawmakers that the project was designed by qualified engineers and that its durability and stability were guaranteed.
Other members present during the oversight inspection were the Vice Chairman of the Committee and Member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency, Hon. Engr. Udobia Udo; Member representing Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency, Hon. Engr. Ubong Attah; Member representing Nsit Atai State Constituency, Hon. Prince Aniefiok Attah; Member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, Hon. Moses Essien; and other support staff of the House of Assembly.