The House of Representatives has called upon the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency regarding the environmental degradation in Edo State. This decision came after Rep Anamero Dekeri (PDP-Edo) introduced a motion during the Thursday plenary session, according to NAN reports.
In presenting the motion, Dekeri expressed deep concern about the escalating environmental deterioration in the Etsako Federal Constituency. He noted that the degradation, primarily caused by rainstorms and gully erosion, has resulted in the loss of lives and property, including farmlands, and has made some areas inaccessible.
Furthermore, Dekeri highlighted that a bridge connecting Iddo-Okugbe with the Awuyemi community was washed away following a rainstorm in Okpella. He also mentioned that the damage extended to electric poles and communication routes, impacting connections between different parts of the state and the rest of the country.
Dekeri emphasized that gully erosion was particularly prevalent in the Etsako West Local Government Area, posing a significant threat to lives and property. Additionally, he pointed out that erosion had severed the Auchi-Agenebode Federal Highway, making it impossible for vehicular traffic to move between the Northern and Southern regions through that route.
He stressed the urgency of addressing this concerning trend of environmental degradation in Etsako Federal Constituency, Edo.
In response, the House urged the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to replace damaged electric poles, wires, and other components. They also called for the reconnection of the affected communities to the national grid. Additionally, the lawmakers urged the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to intervene and reconstruct the damaged bridge, restoring immediate access for vehicles and commuters to other parts of the country.
The House further recommended that the Ministry of Works compel the contractor responsible for the road project to resume work promptly. They also called upon the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to provide relief materials to the affected communities.
Deputy Speaker Rep. Benjamin Kalu, in his ruling, mandated the House Committees on the Ecological Fund, FERMA, NEMA, and REA to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks.