The Nigerian Senate on Thursday urged the Ecological Fund Office (EFO) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to carry out remedial works on Obodoukwu, Urualla, Akokwa, Umumaisiaku, Urachima and Umueshi gully erosion sites in Ideato North and South Local Government areas of Imo State.
It also asked the agencies to jointly engage geologists, hydrologists, and environmental engineers to conduct assessment and implement measures to minimise risks on nearby communities.
Senator Osita during campaign before winning the senatorial seat for Imo West.
Some of the measures they said should include stabilisation, gabion installations, and terracing to prevent further losses.
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The motion titled “Urgent Need to Carry-Out Remedial Work on Obodoukwu, Urualla, Akokwa, Umumaisiaku, Urachima and Umueshi Gully Erosion Sites in Ideato North and Ideato South LGAs, Imo State”, was sponsored by Sen. Izunaso Osita of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).
Senator Osita said the total collapse of the Obodoukwu, Urualla, Akokwa, Umumaisiaku, Umuchima and Umueshi gully erosion sites have become treacherous and has caused injuries to many, leading to loss of human lives, properties worth over N4 billion destroyed.
While revealing that the continuous loss of lives and properties are becoming increasingly worrying, he said 12 communities bothering Enugu, Abia and Anambra states have been affected.
He expressed concern that the gullies and floodwaters were now beyond the Imo State Government, hence the attention of the Federal Government is needed to swiftly carry out immediate remedial work.
“It will mitigate risks and prevent further loss of lives, properties, and environmental degradation in the affected areas”, he said.
While commending the Imo State government on its quick response and intervention which has saved some lives and reclaimed many properties, the Senate, in its further resolution, urged NEMA to urgently implement a community resettlement plan, where necessary, to relocate residents from high-risk areas, providing them with adequate housing, livelihood support, and necessary amenities.
It also resolutely asked NEMA and EFO to establish community-based initiatives to enhance resilience, like emergency response teams, evacuation plans, and formation of local task forces with focused on disaster management.