The Anambra State House of Assembly has summoned the state’s commissioners and key government officials to discuss proactive measures aimed at managing and preventing flooding disasters across the state.
While expressing concerns over the increasing dangers and devastating effects of flooding in different parts of the state during their plenary session on Tuesday, the lawmakers reached a resolution to invite the officials.
The House resolved to invite the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi; the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Chijioke Ojukwu.
Also, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Okey Ezeobi, is to appear before the Assembly on June 25.
Moving the motion of urgent public importance, the Minority Leader and Member representing Nnewi South Constituency 2, Mr Johnbosco Akaegbobi, lamented the destructive impact of flooding on lives and property of residents.
Akaegbobi noted that several residents have continued to suffer losses due to blocked drainages and poor environmental practices across the state.
The lawmaker cited recent incidents circulating on social media in which floodwaters swept away a Toyota Venza vehicle, describing them as a clear indication of the intensity and danger posed by flooding in the state.
Contributing, the Majority Leader, Mr Ikenna Ofodeme, representing Ekwusigo constituency, Mr Tony Muobike of Aguata Constituency 2, Mr Obi Nweke, representing Anambra East Constituency and Emma Nwafor, representing Orumba South Constituency, noted that flood disasters have continued to cause avoidable havoc in the state.
The lawmakers noted that flood disasters experienced in the state by individuals included damaged houses, farmlands, roads, and other valuable property.
Akaegbobi noted that the demage occurred especially in densely populated commercial cities such as Onitsha, Nnewi, and Awka, where indiscriminate dumping of refuse had blocked many drainage channels.
The lawmakers also cited a case in which a tricycle rider was reportedly found dead in Onitsha following a flood incident.
They called for proper channelisation and discharge points, intensified sensitisation on proper refuse disposal, and the construction of catchment points in homes.
According to them, it is the constitutional responsibility of government to protect lives and property.
The Speaker, Dr Somtochukwu Udeze, thanked the mover of the motion and noted that the resolution would go a long way in addressing flooding challenges in the state.
Udeze said that it was the duty of lawmakers to speak for Anambra residents.