Lawmakers in the Senate urged relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to release funds as provided for in the 2023 budget for dredging of blocked canals and water bodies, amongst others.
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The Senate has requested an urgent intervention in the flooding issues in Sagamu, Ijebu Areas of Ogun East Senatorial District, Ogun State, Edu and Patigi Areas of Kwara North Senatorial District of Kwara State and other parts of the country.
This was contained in a motion sponsored by Senator Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East) and co-sponsored by Senator Suleiman Sadiq Umar (Kwara North) on Wednesday during plenary.
Senator Gbenga Daniel noted, “The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has forecasted that the level of rainfall in 2023 will surpass that of 2022. The 2023 annual flood outlook prepared by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency showed that 178 Local Government Areas in 32 states and the FCT fell within the highly probable flood risk Areas.
Aware that Lagos, Ogun and Kwara States in particular would witness coastal flooding due to the tidal lock of Ogun River by Lagos Lagoon from a natural ruse in sea level, coupled with the possible release of excessive water from the Oyan dam.”
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He also raised concerns of several deaths in the country which is as a result of the flood all over the country.
“Concerned that all over Nigeria, downpours had resulted in destruction and death as residents of Lagos Island and Mainland in Lagos State were displaced, business owners and residents were displaced in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, reported death in Enugu due to surge, a 10-year old swept away by flood in Delta and a very devastating erosion effects at Trademore Estate, Lugbe, Abuja.
Also concerned that a 14-year-old secondary school student died and several others reportedly swept away in a heavy downpour that affected major parts of Sagamu such as Ajaka, Express Junction, Olayinka, Ogunyanwo and Isale-Ojumele,” he added.
Other Senators who supported this motion are; Ireti Kingibe (FCT), Darlington Nwokocha (Abia Central), David Nwaeze Umahi (Ebonyi South) and Abubakar Ohere (Kogi Central), Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North)
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After much deliberations, the Senate therefore resolved to;
“Urge relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to release funds as provided for in the 2023 budget for dredging of blocked canals and water bodies, amongst others.
Urge the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to revisit the proposed construction of Dasin Hausa Dam and any other Dams, as the case may be, to take in the flood waters from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
Urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to send Relief Materials to the affected victims in Sagamu, Ijebu Areas of Ogun East Senatorial District, Ogun State, Edu and Patigi Local Government of Kwara State and other parts of the country.
Urge Federal Government to provide a permanent solution to flooding in the country.”
