The Nigeria Senate has urged the Federal Government to promptly address the issue of flooding affecting communities in Abia-North Senatorial District, resulting in loss of life and damage to public and private infrastructure.
Expressing concern over the hardships and extensive destruction caused by the floods on Tuesday, lawmakers have also requested the Federal Ministries of Housing & Urban Development and Power to repair collapsed homes, roads, and electrical installations in the affected areas.
These decisions were made following a motion presented to the plenary by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North.
The Senators have also called on the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs & Poverty Alleviation and the National Emergency Management Agency to provide immediate emergency assistance to alleviate the impact on victims in Abia North Senatorial District.
To assess the damage caused by erosion, the Senators have urged the Ecological Fund Department of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management to take urgent measures to rebuild the affected areas.
In his presentation, the former Governor identified the affected areas as Igbere, Item, Eziukwu Road, Eze River, Nkporo Umuhu, Abriba, Okonu, Abam Ihechiowa, and other neighboring communities in Bende, Ohafia, and Arochukwu Local Government Areas.
According to the former Abia Governor, the continuous rainfall in some communities of the Senatorial District has caused significant damage.
Kalu described the devastating impact of the floods, including loss of life, the isolation of critical roads, destruction of farmlands, and displacement of families due to collapsed houses with weak foundations.
“Notably affected were Okoko-Item Primary School, Okposi Primary School, a radio station, a university structure, and many other buildings in Bende LGA.”
Senators Austin Akobundu (Abia Central), Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), Osita Izunaso (Imo West), Senator Benson Konbowei (Bayelsa Central), and the majority of other lawmakers supported Kalu’s motion.
Konbowei expressed concern about the government’s willingness to act on the Senate’s resolution and urged the Senate leadership to ensure that the Federal Government implements the decisions made.
After extensive discussions, the Senators approved the motion and directed the Senate Committees on Legislative Compliance and Environment to ensure enforcement and provide a report within four weeks.
Additionally, the Senators supported an additional request by Senator Osita Izunaso, urging the Federal government to address flooding in Ideato North, South, and Orlu LGAs of Imo State.
