The House of Representatives has called for urgent federal intervention following devastating floods in Delta State, which submerged communities and caused the collapse of a section of the East-West Road at Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Francis Waive, representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, and seconded by Mukhtar Muhammad during plenary presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
Moving the motion, titled “Need for Federal Intervention to Address the Devastating Flood in Delta State and Other Parts of the Country,” Waive said persistent heavy rainfall had submerged homes, roads, schools and businesses, displaced families and destroyed livelihoods in affected communities.
He warned that the damage to the East-West Road, a major transport corridor linking Delta State with Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and other parts of the South-South, threatened road users, commercial activities and the movement of essential goods.
The lawmaker also expressed concern over possible disruptions to education and healthcare services, as well as the increased risks of road accidents and waterborne diseases arising from the flooding.
While commending the Delta State Government for its response, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s visit to the affected area and remedial work on the highway, Waive said the scale of the disaster required additional support from the Federal Government.
The House consequently urged the Federal Ministry of Works to mobilise the resources needed to restore the damaged section of the East-West Road.
It also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials and emergency assistance to affected communities in Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu local government areas.
In addition, the lawmakers urged the Ecological Funds Office to implement permanent measures to tackle erosion challenges in Agbarho and prevent further damage.
The House mandated its Committees on Works, Emergency Preparedness and Ecological Funds to monitor compliance with the resolutions and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
Speaker Abbas subsequently referred the motion to the relevant committees for further consideration.
