Effective Town Planning and Waste Management Key to Flood Control in South-South Nigeria Experts Call for Urgent Action

Environmental specialists from Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States have emphasized that proper town planning and waste management are essential to preventing floods in the South-South region.

Flooding Linked to Poor Urban Design

Dr. Joel Effiong, a hydrology expert at the University of Calabar, explained that poor urban planning increases flood risk.

“When buildings cover every inch of land with concrete, water runoff increases, and soil absorption is blocked,” he said.

He urged authorities to ensure building approvals include designated green spaces that allow rainwater infiltration.

Need for Strategic Town Planning

Environmentalists stressed that flood prevention requires a combination of planning, regulation, and community participation.
Prof. Eze Bassey of UNICAL advocated for:

• Continuous review of hydrographs
• Regular public updates before and after rainfall
• Maintenance of major drainage channels

He added that communities must clear local drains to complement government efforts.

Read also: Organization Calls for Sustainable Waste Management to Curb Methane Emissions in Lagos

Government Interventions in Waste Disposal

Mr. Moses Osogi, Cross River State Commissioner for Environment, said the state has begun:

• Desilting major drainage systems
• Distributing waste bins in urban centers
• Arresting individuals who dump waste improperly

A mobile court handles environmental offenders to reinforce discipline and compliance.

WAMASON Identifies Waste as Major Cause

Mr. Benson Abu of the Waste Management Society of Nigeria (WAMASON) revealed that poor waste management causes over 60% of flooding in Port Harcourt.

“Plastic waste clogs drainages and waterways, creating a major flooding hazard,” he stated.

He called on residents to stop dumping refuse in gutters and to keep their surroundings clean.

Grassroots Participation Encouraged

Mr. Atajit Francis, Sole Administrator of Andoni LGA, said his council had reawakened grassroots involvement in sanitation. Monthly environmental exercises are being reintroduced to maintain clear waterways.

Town Planning Laws Outdated

Town planner Akpabio Ufot-Akpabio decried the continued use of colonial town planning laws.
He urged state and federal governments to update planning regulations and enforce building standards across urban and rural areas.

Akwa Ibom Strengthens Infrastructure

According to Mr. Aniekan Umanah, Akwa Ibom’s Commissioner for Information, the government has initiated:

• Construction of link roads and drains
• Partnership with federal agencies for early warning systems
• Desilting of major city drainage points

Call for Attitudinal Change

Dr. Charles Effiong concluded that even with effective policies, citizen behavior must change.

“People still block drains with shops and refuse. This must stop,” he said.

He urged continuous public sensitization on sustainable waste disposal and drainage management.