Urges FG to complete abandoned roads before starting new projects
The Senate has urged the Federal Government to rebuild roads destroyed by flooding and erosion, provide emergency relief to displaced residents and assess damaged farmlands and livestock for compensation.
The lawmakers also called for urgent ecological restoration in affected communities nationwide, with priority given to erosion sites in Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo states.
The resolutions followed three related motions presented during yesterday’s plenary by Victor Umeh, Anthony Ani and Osita Izunaso, who highlighted the destruction of homes, roads, farms and livelihoods.
The Senate directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide affected residents with food, potable water, temporary shelter, medical supplies and other essential relief materials.
It also urged the Federal Ministry of Works to reconstruct damaged roads, restore access to isolated communities and improve drainage systems to prevent further destruction.
The Federal Ministry of Environment was asked to conduct technical assessments and implement sustainable flood and erosion control measures.
The Senate further called on the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to assess destroyed farmlands and livestock in Ebonyi State and provide emergency grants to affected farmers.
Its committees on Environment, Works, Ecology and Climate Change, alongside other relevant committees, were mandated to inspect affected communities nationwide and submit their findings and recommendations within one month.
Presenting the motion on Anambra State, Umeh said flooding and erosion had caused deaths, displaced families and destroyed homes and critical infrastructure.
He said at least four people, including a pregnant woman and a six-year-old pupil of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School, Awka, had died.
IN another development, the Senate, yesterday, urged the Federal Government to prioritise completing abandoned and ongoing road projects before awarding new contracts, warning that poor funding and prolonged neglect have worsened road conditions nationwide.
The lawmakers, however, exempted essential new roads, particularly those needed to reconnect communities cut off by floods or provide access to underserved areas.
The position followed a motion sponsored by Senator Tony Nwoye on the deplorable condition of the Ogbaru-Ndoni-Rivers Federal Highway.
The Senate urged the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the South-East Development Commission or the Federal Ministry of Works to carry out emergency repairs on failed sections of the highway pending full rehabilitation.
It also called on the Works Ministry to begin comprehensive reconstruction of the Ogbaru-Iyiowa-Odekpe-Atani-Ogwuikpele-Ndoni highway through a special intervention programme or other appropriate funding arrangements.
The Senate directed its committee on Works to inspect the road, consult relevant stakeholders and report back within four weeks.
It also mandated the Senate committees on Works and Appropriations to ensure adequate funding for the project.
