The House of Representatives on Thursday called on the federal government to urgently intervene in the devastating flood and erosion that recently affected some communities in Ile-Oluji, Okeigbo and Odigbo Federal Constituency of Ondo,
The flood caused damage, leaving scores of residents displaced and destroying homes, farmlands, and critical infrastructure.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Festus Adefiranye, representing Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo and Odigbo Federal Constituency during plenary.
The motion was seconded by Rep. Dabo Haruna, who represents the Toro Federal Constituency of Bauchi State.
Presenting the motion, Mr Adefiranye said torrential rainfall recorded between July 8 and 12 triggered severe flooding across several communities in Ile-Oluji and Okeigbo.
He said that it caused widespread destruction of residential buildings, roads, drainage facilities, farmlands and other public infrastructure.
Mr Adefiranye lamented that farmers, traders and small business owners suffered enormous losses as floodwaters washed away crops, goods and sources of livelihood.
The lawmaker, who reiterated calls for federal government intervention, said the disaster has created an urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
He, however, called for sustainable flood control measures to prevent a recurrence.
The House urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to immediately provide relief materials, temporary shelters, medical care, psychosocial support and rehabilitation programmes for residents affected by the disaster.
The lawmakers also called on the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, alongside other relevant agencies, to construct and rehabilitate drainage systems.
The House also called for the desilting of the waterways and the implementation of comprehensive flood control infrastructure across flood-prone communities in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo and Odigbo Federal Constituency.
In addition, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Environment and its relevant agencies to undertake the immediate dredging of River Olore to improve its carrying capacity and facilitate the free flow of stormwater.
They said the dredging is necessary to prevent overflow during heavy rainfall and reduce the recurring incidence of flooding in Ile-Oluji, Okeigbo and adjoining communities.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, who presided over the plenary, commended Mr Adefiranye for bringing the motion before the House.
He referred it to the House committees on emergency and disaster preparedness, water resources, works, ecological fund, and legislative compliance to ensure implementation of the resolutions and report back for further legislative action.
(NAN)
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