The House of Representatives on Tuesday tasked the Federal Ministry of Water Resources with the need to create earth dams with a view to channelling the torrential rainwater into useful purposes.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on the ‘Need to address the flood incidence in Gamawa Federal Constituency, Bauchi State’, sponsored by Hon. Adamu Ibrahim Gamawa.
In his lead debate, Hon. Gamawa lamented that the torrential rainfall in most parts of Nigeria and the poor drainage management systems have resulted in flash floods within the country and Gamawa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State is not exempted.
“The House also notes that on 24 January 2023, the Nigerian Metrological Agency predicted and cautioned Nigerians to make preparations for the density of rainfall this year as it would be very high which will invariably result in lots of flooding in various places.
“The House further notes that the surging floods have caused a lot of damage to people’s properties and have displaced many residents in various villages within the Gamawa Federal constituency.
“The House is aware that the flash floods have even washed away a number of important culverts, bridges and highways, worthy of note is the Gamawa-Zaki highway which ordinarily serves as the easiest gateway to motorists for the conveyance of farm produce, fertilizers and other goods within Bauchi and neighbouring states like Jigawa and Yobe.
“The House is also aware that the flood disaster on the Gamawa-Azare road has led to the loss of many lives due to accidents, stress and attacks by armed robbers who capitalize on the heavy gridlocks caused by the dilapidated state of the roads to dispossess motorists of their hard-earned money, goods and valuables.
“The House believes that the Federal Government needs to employ urgent and proactive measures to mitigate flooding and fix dilapidated roads, culverts and bridges in order to curtail further disasters,” he noted.
In the bid to bring succour to the affected Citizens living within the areas, the House tasked the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management & Social Development; National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to provide relief assistance to the affected communities within the Gamawa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State.
The lawmakers further urged the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in collaboration with the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to commence immediate rehabilitation of the Gamawa-Azare and Zaki highways to prevent further disaster and deterioration.
In the bid to ensure that the concerns are addressed, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance (when constituted) to ensure compliance.
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