Residents of Calabar, the Cross River State capital, can now heave a sigh of relief as the state government begins an aggressive desilting of blocked drainage systems to ease the flow of floodwater and curb anticipated flooding ahead of the rainy season.

The intervention follows early warnings by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which forecast above-average rainfall across parts of the country, with coastal and riverine states such as Cross River facing heightened flood risks.
Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing desilting of the 4.5-kilometre Channel 1—one of the city’s major drainage arteries—the Executive Secretary of the Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA), Dr Ayi Effiong, described the exercise as a deliberate and proactive response to the threat of urban flooding.

“This is not just a routine government activity; it is a clear demonstration of our commitment to environmental sustainability and urban resilience,” he said.
Effiong explained that a mechanised approach is being deployed to clear the drainage channel, noting that Channel 1 serves as a critical flood control route within Calabar. He added that the project is expected to significantly reduce perennial flooding while improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

Residents have lauded the move, describing it as a long-overdue intervention to address recurring flooding that has affected homes, businesses, and movement in the area for years.
The CUDA boss commended Governor Bassey Otu for approving the operation and prioritising infrastructure rehabilitation across the state.

He, however, stressed that government efforts alone would not be sufficient, urging residents to desist from indiscriminate waste disposal and to promptly report blocked drains.
“The government will continue to play its part, but environmental sustainability requires shared responsibility. Citizens must support these efforts,” he said.

Effiong revealed that desilting activities have already commenced in several communities, with debris being swiftly evacuated to prevent re-blockage of drainage channels.
He noted that while the state is not currently collaborating with federal agencies on the exercise, it has taken independent and timely action to mitigate flooding risks before the rains intensify.

On waste management, he added that there has been noticeable progress in curbing roadside dumping of refuse, attributing the improvement to sustained public sensitisation campaigns.