Members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday called on the Federal Government to urgently halt the deadly cholera outbreak in Badagry West, Lagos State.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Sesi Whingan, who solicited the House’s intervention.
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In honour of those who lost their lives during the cholera outbreak, the lawmakers observed a minute’s silence.
Worried by the life-threatening disease, the House tasked authorities of the Federal Ministry of Health and NCDC to deploy surveillance teams, medical resources, and awareness campaigns to Badagry West immediately to contain the outbreak.
In his lead debate, Hon. Whingan expressed grave concern over the suspected cholera outbreak in the Zongo community, Seme area, Badagry West LCDA, Lagos State, claiming lives and threatening a public health catastrophe.
“The House is heartbroken that residents, especially women and children, face severe cholera symptoms due to contaminated water, poor sanitation, and a collapsed healthcare system, worsened by the relocation of the Nigerian Air Force Mother and Child Care Hospital.
“The House is alarmed that a four-year power outage has crippled water systems, vaccine storage, and health facilities, directly fueling the spread of cholera.
“The House is fearful that without urgent action by the Federal and Lagos State Governments, the outbreak could spread nationwide, endangering countless lives.
“The House is outraged that this neglect violates Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), mandating the welfare of the people.”
Pleased by the prompt response of the health officials in the affected area, the House commended the local health workers and volunteers who risked their lives to combat this crisis.
The lawmakers, therefore, called on the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development to coordinate urgent relief, including clean water and sanitation facilities.
In the same vein, the House directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide sanitary materials, water purification tablets, and disinfectants to affected communities.
The House also mandated the Federal Ministry of Power and the Rural Electricity Agency (REA) to restore electricity to Badagry West LCDA urgently to support water systems and health facilities.
To this end, the House mandated the joint Committees on Healthcare Services, Power, Rural Electrification, and Emergency Preparedness to visit Badagry West LCDA to assess the outbreak, power outage, and hospital relocation, ensuring compliance, and report back within three weeks.
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