The Imo State House of Assembly has appealed to Gov. Hope Uzodimma to urgently intervene in the gully erosion sites ravaging parts of Ikeduru Local Government Area of the state.
The House made the appeal following a motion moved by Ikeduru representative, Mr Uche Ogbuagu (APC), at its plenary on Thursday, November 18, 2021, in Owerri, the state capital.
Presenting the motion, Ogbuagu decried that Okwu, Owu Amakohia, Amalla, Avuvu communities in the constituency have been devastated by gully erosion and landslides.
He added that the area had witnessed loss of economic trees, farmlands, schools as well as dilapidation of access roads as a result of the erosion.
The lawmaker noted that the situation led people of the area to become refugees, and prayed the governor to direct the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to take immediate action.
He also prayed the governor to synergise with the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) to proffer a permanent solution to the problem.
Supporting the motion, Mr Arthur Egwim (APC – Ideato North), also noted that his constituency is also facing the same problem and called for his area to be included in the work to be done.
He also called for the State Coordinator of NEWMAP to be invited to update the house on their activities in the state.
Also speaking, Dr Uju Onwudiwe (APC), expressed disappointment in NEWMAP, stating that it has failed to carry out its responsibilities in the state.
She further called for immediate reconstruction of the roads and not just palliative measures.
The Speaker, Mr Kennedy Ibe (APC – Obowo), ruled in favour of the prayers of the motion.
Ibe further directed the Clerk, Mrs Chinelo Emeghara, to invite SEMA, NEWMAP and other relevant stakeholders to interface with the House on Nov. 23.
By Ugonne Uzoma
