The Cross River State Government, under the leadership of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, has deployed a high-capacity swamp buggy to the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Staff Quarters in Calabar to tackle flooding and restore the free flow of stormwater in the area.
The intervention followed torrential rainfall in Calabar that triggered flooding in parts of the Staff Quarters, affecting some residential buildings and damaging household properties belonging to members of staff.
The swamp buggy, deployed by the State Government, was already on site clearing blocked waterways, desilting drainage channels and opening wider passages to facilitate the movement of stormwater when the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey, visited the affected areas.
Accompanied by members of the University Management, Prof. Bassey undertook an on-the-spot inspection to assess the impact of the flooding and interact with affected residents.
The inspection took place amid a heavy downpour, with the Vice Chancellor and members of Management personally visiting the affected areas to ascertain the situation and engage staff whose homes had been impacted.
Prof. Bassey expressed concern over the effect of the flooding on staff and their families, particularly those whose homes and household belongings had been damaged.
She noted that recurrent flooding could impose additional financial burdens on staff who would have to spend their limited resources replacing properties damaged by floodwater.
The Vice Chancellor commended Governor Otu and the Cross River State Government for the timely intervention, describing the deployment of the swamp buggy as a demonstration of the administration’s responsiveness to issues affecting the university community.
She stressed the need for sustained drainage maintenance and proactive environmental management, noting that regular clearing and desilting of waterways could significantly reduce the impact of flooding within the Staff Quarters.
Prof. Bassey said Management would continue to explore measures for the periodic desilting of major drainage channels and natural waterways, particularly ahead of the peak of the rainy season, to minimise the likelihood of recurrent flooding.
She reiterated that staff welfare remains a major priority of her administration, assuring members of the university community that Management would continue to collaborate with the State Government and other relevant stakeholders to improve their living and working conditions.
Members of staff in the affected areas expressed appreciation to Governor Otu and the State Government for the prompt intervention, while also commending the Vice Chancellor and members of Management for personally inspecting the affected areas despite the heavy rainfall.
By Kingsley Agim
