NEMA, CR-SEMA Assess UniCROSS Drainage Channels, Move to Address Persistent Flooding

NEMA, CR-SEMA Assess UniCROSS Drainage Channels, Move to Address Persistent Flooding

By David Asu

The Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA), in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, has commenced assessment of major drainage channels within the University of Cross River State (UniCROSS), Calabar, following concerns over persistent flooding in parts of the institution.

The assessment led by the Director General of CR-SEMA, Mr. Efa Nyong, visited the university alongside the Acting Head of Operations for Cross River and Akwa Ibom, NEMA, Mr. Austin Awoji, and the Disaster Management Officer of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Mr. Agbor Okim.

The visit followed a letter from the Vice Chancellor of Unicross, Prof. Francisca Bassey , drawing the attention of CR-SEMA to the condition of drainage channels within and around the university and the flooding challenges being experienced by the institution and surrounding communities.

The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Thomas Ogon Ojikpong, expressed appreciation to the emergency management team for responding to the university's concerns.

He described the university's earlier communication as more than an ordinary letter, but a cry for help, expressing satisfaction that the concerns had been heard and acted upon.

The DVC subsequently led the delegation to some of the affected drainage channels, where the team observed extensive siltation, blocked sections and damaged portions of the drainage infrastructure.

At some locations, concrete structures used to line the channels had collapsed, leaving sections of the drainage system open and allowing water to spill into surrounding areas. 

The team also observed that some sections of the channel appeared inadequate to contain the volume of water passing through them, pointing to the need for possible expansion and rehabilitation.

The assessment also took the team to some residential areas around the university where several houses affected by recurring flooding had reportedly been abandoned by occupants.

Speaking after the inspection, DG Efa Nyong said the team had seen the situation firsthand, noting that both CR-SEMA and NEMA would study the findings and work together towards identifying practical solutions to the flooding challenge.

He also disclosed that efforts were being made to bring in a swamp buggy to support the desilting of some of the blocked drainage channels as part of immediate measures to improve water flow.

The drainage system, according to the assessment, serves as an important waterway carrying runoff from several parts of Calabar, including areas around Marian, the Highway and Major parts of Calabar South, before conveying the water towards the sea.

The failure of some sections of the system, coupled with blockage and inadequate capacity, has contributed to the overflow of water into surrounding areas during periods of heavy rainfall, worsening flooding within the university environment and neighbouring communities.

Also speaking, NEMA Acting Head of Operations, Mr. Austin Awoji, said he had extensively observed the damage during the inspection and would take the findings back to NEMA for further consideration.

He said the agency would examine the situation and explore the necessary interventions and solutions to address the challenges identified.

The visit underscored the commitment of CR-SEMA, NEMA and humanitarian partners to responding to flood related concerns through direct assessment, inter-agency coordination and practical interventions aimed at reducing the impact of flooding on communities and critical institutions.