In a bid to tackle the devastating impact of floods and landslides across the state, the Cross River State Government has intensified efforts to mitigate environmental disasters. As part of these efforts, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, on Monday received a comprehensive technical briefing from a joint team of experts on proposed palliative measures.
Speaking during the briefing, held at the Deputy Governor’s Conference Room, Government House, Calabar, Dr. Odey reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Bassey Otu’s People First administration to protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure through prompt and coordinated action. He stressed that the state government would continue to work closely with relevant ministries, technical experts, development partners, and the private sector to ensure that the recommended interventions are implemented without delay.
Dr Odey noted that, beyond Anansa Road, several areas in the state capital and some local government areas have suffered varying degrees of damage from flooding, gully erosion, and landslides, with roads, homes, public utilities, and farmlands adversely affected. He emphasized that the government’s response would not be limited to Calabar but would extend to other impacted areas as assessments are completed and intervention priorities established.
Dr. Odey further observed that the recurring environmental challenges underscore the need for sustained investment in drainage infrastructure, watershed management, erosion control, and climate adaptation measures. He called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, corporate organizations, development partners, and communities in promoting responsible environmental practices capable of reducing disaster risks.
Earlier, the joint technical team, comprising officials of the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Works, and Lafarge Africa Plc (now HBM Nigeria Plc), presented preliminary findings from technical assessments carried out at the affected locations. The presentation focused on the severe landslide along Anansa Road in Calabar while also reviewing flood and erosion incidents in other parts of the state.
The experts outlined immediate and long-term engineering and environmental interventions required to stabilize the Anansa Road corridor, improve drainage infrastructure, restore damaged access routes, and prevent further deterioration. They also recommended proactive measures to address flooding and erosion in other vulnerable communities, particularly as the peak of the rainy season approaches.
Members of the joint technical team assured the state government that the proposed interventions would be implemented in line with established engineering and environmental standards to provide immediate relief while laying the foundation for long-term resilience against floods, erosion, and landslides.
Present at the briefing were the Commissioner for Environment, Bassey Mensah, Esq., Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Pius Ankpo, senior officials of the Ministries of Environment and Works, representatives of HBM Nigeria Plc, and other technical experts.
Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Government House, Calabar
August 4, 2026
