By our correspondant
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministries of Works and Environment, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Ecological Fund Office and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to immediately mobilize contractors and commence emergency remedial works on the collapsed Umuma Isiaku–Nkwerre Road in Imo State.
The House also urged the Ecological Fund Office to, as a matter of emergency, draw from the Ecological Fund to carry out comprehensive erosion control works across all affected Ideato erosion sites, especially Umuma Isiaku, Uruala, Obodoukwu, Isiokpe, Umuaghobe, Umueshi and Amanato.
The Lawmakers further urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to deploy immediate relief support and emergency supplies to families and communities already cut off and displaced by the road collapse and erosion menace.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Ideato North, South federal constituency, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere at the plenary on Tuesday.
Moving the motion, Ugochinyere noted that Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
He informed the House that the Umuma Isiaku–Nkwerre Road, a critical access route connecting Ideato South LGA to Nkwerre LGA and other parts of Imo State, has collapsed near St. Andrews Catholic Church, Umuma Isiaku, cutting off thousands of commuters and residents overnight.
He said, “Disturbed that the road collapse has physically separated families, destroyed access to schools, markets and farmlands, and forced a total diversion of movement to distant and dangerous routes through Owerri or Okigwe before one can return home to Ideato.
“I’m alarmed that this disaster is not isolated but part of a deepening ecological tragedy currently ravaging Ideato nation, including the deadly erosion sites of Uruala, Obodoukwu, Isiokpe, Umuaghobe, Umueshi and Amanato, which have swallowed farmlands, homes and public infrastructure and now the Umuma Isiaku–Nkwerre road.
“Also disturbed that with each passing rain, more lands are collapsing, more homes are becoming uninhabitable and the safety and livelihood Ideato Communities are under severe threat;Concerned about the continued neglect and delayed response of relevant federal agencies despite repeated warnings and motions on the worsening ecological crisis cutting of Ideato communities;Worried that if no urgent action is taken immediately, Ideato may become completely inaccessible, with devastating humanitarian, economic and security consequences.”
Adopting the motion, the House mandated the Committees on Works, Environment, NDDC and Emergency and Disaster Preparedness to ensure compliance and report within four weeks for further legislative action.
