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From Fred Itua, Abuja
Worried by the disturbing flooding and environmental degradation in the South East, senators on Thursday, called on the federal government to evacuate people in affected areas.
Contributing to a motion sponsored by Osita Izunaso, Victor Umeh who represents Anambra Central in the Senate, said many communities in Anambra State have been ravaged by flood and warned of imminent dangers.
Umeh who defeated Lilian Uche Ukwunife in the last senatorial polls in the State, said there’s a particular federal road in Anambra almost being cut off by ravaging floods.
The ranking senator urged relevant government agencies to step in and assist the South East in battling the menace of flooding.
He said: “This is an important motion and I urge every senator to support it. In Anambra State where I come from, flooding is a major challenge. Many villages have been affected and gullies are everywhere.
“The South East’s major problem is environmental. There is a particular federal road that may be cut off soon if nothing is done. I’m using this medium to call on relevant agencies of government to come in and assist.”
Izunaso in the motion, said: “The economic impact of the continuous loss of lives, businesses and properties of individuals, NGOs and the government as the flood is burying them under debris day after day
“The total number of affected communities is twelve (12) and the two LGAs share border with Anambra, Enugu and Abia states.
“The gullies and floodwaters are now beyond the Imo state government. Hence, the need for the federal government’s presence and urgency to undertake immediate remedial work (to mitigate the risks and prevent further loss of lives, properties, and environmental degradation) in the affected areas.”
In its resolution: “Urge the Ecological Fund Office (EFO) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to jointly and urgently engage relevant experts, including geologists, hydrologists, and environmental engineers, to conduct the assessment and Implement measures such as slope stabilization, gabion installations, terracing, re-vegetation, and construction of retaining walls to prevent further losses and minimize the risks to nearby infrastructure, communities, LGAs and states.
“They should relocate residents from high-risk areas, providing them with adequate housing, livelihood support, and necessary amenities;
“We urge NEMA and EFO to establish community-based initiatives to enhance resilience, such as emergency response teams, evacuation plans, and the formation of local task forces focused on disaster management; outlining the achieved milestones, challenges encountered, and plans for future actions every four (4) weeks.”
