BENIN CITY – Edo State House of Assembly has passed a resolution urging all relevant government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to, as a matter of urgency temporarily relocate Edo communities in River Niger bank in Esan South East Local Government Area.
The motion of a matter of urgent public importance raised during plenary session, also urged the state government, Esan South East, Etsako Central and Etsako East Local East, Etsako Central and Etsako East Local Government Councils to assist in providing temporary sites for the relocation of victims of flooding
During deliberations, the lawmakers observed that the heavy down pour in recent times has made the water level of the river to rise and is presently overflowing into the communities of Illushi, Ifeku, Amalu and Anegbete.
According to the motion, several farm lands have been completely destroyed, some houses taken over by water with the access roads to the communities cut off by flood.
Similar cases, it was observed occurred in 2012 that made the River Niger overflow its banks, leading to destruction of lives and properties.
According to the motion, there is need for the relevant government agencies to be proactive to avert a situation similar to the year 2012 flood disaster in the state.
The House resolution therefore urged the state Ministry of Information and Orientation to embark on enlightenment campaign on the need for the communities to temporarily relocate in order to avert the impending disaster.
Community leaders or Heads of such communiities on their part, were asked to partner with the relevant state councils and other government agencies in the relocation exercise.
Hon. Victor Edoror, Edo State House of Assembly Speaker
