The Senate, yesterday, urged National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to urgently relocate residents from high-risk erosion areas in Imo State.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator representing Imo West, Osita Izunaso, titled, ‘Urgent Need to Carry out Remedial Work on Obodoukwu, Urualla, Akokwa, Umumaisiaku, Umuchima and Umueshi Gully Erosion Sites, in Ideato North and Ideato South Councils of Imo State.’
Izunaso noted that gullies and floodwaters have become treacherous, leading to loss of life and of property worth over N4 billion.
He said 12 communities in Ideato North and South councils were affected by gullies and floodwaters, which, according to him, are beyond intervention by the Imo State government.
He, therefore, called on the Federal Government to urgently undertake remedial work to mitigate risks and prevent further loss of life, property and environmental degradation in the areas.
“By taking immediate action and working together, we can protect lives, preserve our communities, build a safer and more resilient future,” Izunaso said.
Consequently, the Senate asked the Ecological Fund Office (EFO) and NEMA to engage relevant experts to conduct assessment and implement measures, such as slope stabilisation, gabion installations, terracing, re-vegetation and construction of retaining walls, to prevent further losses and minimise risks to nearby infrastructure and communities.
It also asked them to establish community-based initiatives, such as emergency response teams, evacuation plans and formation of local task forces for disaster management, outlining of achieved milestones, challenges encountered and plans for future actions.
