Flood: Reps want lasting solution

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday called on its standing committees on environment and emergency preparedness to work with the Governors Forum to look into the peculiarities of states affected by flood so that the issue would be addressed and lasting solution proffered.

Also, the House mandated a yet to be constituted ad hoc committee to interface with the office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, ecological office, federal ministry of water resources, works, housing and environment to also look into the matter.

The House resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance, sponsored by Honourable Lado Suleja, who said that his constituency in Suleja was ravaged by flood and made position that the flood should be addressed.

The lawmaker however said that lives were lost during the flood incidence, noting committees on Special duties and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) should visit the affected areas.

Majority Leader, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila said that, the flood also affected Lagos State, and emphaised the need to assist the state.

He however said that Lagos State government was doing so much to address the problem, stressing that, “we need experts, we need people who can sit and look at this problem”.

Also, Honourable Nkiruka Onyejeocha said that in Anambra and Akwa Ibom a whole community was washed away.

Honourable Rotimi Agunsoye, while contributing said that, we need to ensure that the drainage system was taken care of, stressing that, standing committee of environment of the House should work with the Governors Forum.

Honourable James Faleke said that adequate information from the metrological agency was needed this time around.

Minority Leader, Honourable Leo Ogor said that, there should be adequate planning for the flood issue to be tackled.

The House in another motion urged the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to put machinery in place to address the flood on Benin/Lagos highway opposite S and T Barracks.

The House committee on works was also mandated to visit the erosion and flood sites in the affected area and make recommendations on measures to be adopted to ensure a permanent solution.

The House resolution followed a motion sponsored by Honourable Omosede Igbenedion.

The motions scaled through when it was put to voice vote by the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Lasun Yusuf who presided over the session.