Flooding: Akpabio charges state govts to review environmental policies

BY IDONGESIT INYANG, CALABAR

The Managing Director of the South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, has charged state governments in the region to review their environmental policies, strengthen urban planning and invest in infrastructure capable of withstanding changing weather patterns and rapid urban expansion.

Akpabio, made the charge in Calabar on Tuesday during an assessment visit to erosion-ravaged communities and an Internally Displaced Persons camp in Cross River State.

The SSDC Managing Director attributed the increasing disasters to the effects of climate change and called for stronger environmental advocacy, improved urban planning and investment in climate-resilient infrastructure.

According to her, “Climate change is no longer a future conversation; it is a present reality. We must rebuild a culture of environmental responsibility because our habits are contributing to the hazards we are facing. ”

She pledged to coordinate a regional response to the devastating erosion and flooding affecting Cross River State and other parts of the South-South region, promising humanitarian support and long-term measures to mitigate future disasters.

The MD who led a delegation comprising executive directors and the state’s representative on the commission’s board, said the visit underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to standing with affected communities during humanitarian emergencies.

“When lives are at risk, leadership must be present. We had to cut short all official engagements because this is about people, families and communities whose lives have been disrupted. Nothing is more important to us than responding to a humanitarian emergency,” she said.

Expressing sympathy to victims, the SSDC boss noted that beyond damaged infrastructure, many families had lost loved ones, livelihoods and their sense of security adding that “On behalf of the South South Development Commission, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to every affected family and community. We stand with you during this difficult time,” she added.

She commended Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, for engaging intervention agencies and stakeholders in response to the disaster and also praised the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and other first responders for their commitment to supporting affected residents.

“The South South Development Commission will work closely with the Cross River State Government and relevant stakeholders across the region to support humanitarian relief efforts, she said.

The Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Efa Nyong, said the state government had intensified emergency response efforts by providing relief materials, temporary shelter and continuous support to displaced families while conducting detailed assessments of affected communities.

He added that the agency would continue to monitor affected areas and coordinate with relevant stakeholders to ensure that vulnerable residents received the necessary assistance as recovery efforts progressed.