By Ikenna Osuoha
The House of Representatives on Thursday called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the devastating flood and erosion that recently affected some communities in Ile-Oluji, Okeigbo and Odigbo Federal Constituency of Ondo,
NAN reports that the flood caused damages, leaving scores of residents displaced and destroyed homes, farmlands and critical infrastructure.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Rep. Festus Adefiranye, representing Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo and Odigbo Federal Constituency during plenary.
The motion was seconded by Rep. Dabo Haruna, who represents Toro Federal Constituency of Bauchi State.
Presenting the motion, Adefiranye said torrential rainfall recorded between July 8 and 12, triggered severe floodings across several communities in Ile-Oluji and Okeigbo.
He said that it caused widespread destruction of residential buildings, roads, drainage facilities, farmlands and other public infrastructure.
The lawmaker explained that the disaster displaced many residents, disrupted socio-economic activities and exposed affected communities to serious health, environmental and economic risks.
Adefiranye lamented that farmers, traders and small business owners suffered enormous losses as floodwaters washed away crops, goods and sources of livelihood, thereby worsening the vulnerability of victims.
The lawmaker, who reiterated calls for federal government intervention, said that the disaster had created an urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
Adefiranye said that in spite of earlier flood warnings issued by relevant authorities, the magnitude of the disaster highlighted the need for immediate emergency intervention.
He, however, called for sustainable flood control measures to prevent a recurrence.
The House urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to immediately provide relief materials, temporary shelters, medical care, psychosocial support and rehabilitation programmes for residents affected by the disaster.
The lawmakers also called on the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, alongside other relevant agencies, to construct and rehabilitate drainage systems.
The House also called for the desilt of the waterways and implement comprehensive flood control infrastructure across flood-prone communities in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo and Odigbo Federal Constituency.
In addition, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Environment and its relevant agencies to undertake the immediate dredging of River Olore to improve its carrying capacity, facilitate the free flow of stormwater.
They said the dredging is necessary to prevent overflow during heavy rainfall and reduce the recurring incidence of flooding in Ile-Oluji, Okeigbo and adjoining communities.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen who presided over the plenary, commended Adefiranye for bringing the motion before the House, describing the issue as deserving urgent legislative attention.
He subsequently referred the motion to the House Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Water Resources, Works, Ecological Fund, and Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation of the resolutions and report back for further legislative action. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Francis Onyeukwu