By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The evacuation and desilting of blocked drainage channels at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Staff Quarters in Calabar have begun following flooding caused by heavy rainfall.
The Cross River State Government deployed a high-capacity swamp buggy to the area to clear blocked waterways and create wider channels for the free flow of stormwater.
The flooding, which followed torrential rainfall in Calabar, affected parts of the university’s Staff Quarters, with some houses and household properties reportedly damaged.
The Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey, accompanied by members of the university management, inspected the affected areas during a heavy downpour to assess the extent of the flooding.
The swamp buggy was already operating at the site during the inspection, clearing blocked waterways and removing silt and other obstructions from drainage channels.
Bassey expressed concern over the impact of the flooding on staff and their families, particularly those whose homes and belongings were affected.
She said the university management would work with the state government and relevant agencies to ensure regular maintenance of drainage channels and waterways within and around the university environment.
The Vice Chancellor said periodic desilting of major drainage channels would also be considered as part of measures to reduce the risk of recurring flooding, particularly during the rainy season.
Some affected residents commended the state government for deploying the equipment and called for sustained drainage maintenance to prevent a recurrence of the flooding.
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