Arochukwu/Ohafia Fed. Const.: Save My People From Gully Erosion – Hon. Ibe Cries Out

The member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia state, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, has cried out to his colleagues in the green chamber to save his people from imminent danger.

In a motion on the “need to intervene in the flooding and resultant Gully Erosion in Amekpu, Elu, Nkporo, Ihechiowa, Abam, Aru and Ututu Communities of Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Abia State” Osonwa called on the Federal Government to intervene and to avert a calamity that he said is bound to happen unless necessary measures are taken.

While leading the motion, Hon Ibe noted that various communities in Abia State’s Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, including Amekpu, Elu, Nkporo, Ihechiowa, Abam, Arochukwu, and Ututu, are experiencing an increase in floods and gully erosion.

The topsoil, which is rich in nutrients essential for agriculture, Osonwa stated, has been washed away by erosion with farmers’ livelihood harmed by the loss of fertile land, thus leading to a decline in agricultural productivity, the lawmaker argued.

He said he was concerned that flooding and erosion have caused the foundations of buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure to collapse and deteriorate, posing a hazard to the safety of the population and impeding transportation and economic activity in the area;

According to him, “community of Ebem Ohafia, has lost homes, and clans have been displaced, including the traditional monarch palace, which has withstood erosion damage since it was built in 1921.”

The honourable lamented that the relentless impact of these natural disasters has resulted in significant hardships for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, threatening the lives and overall well-being of the Community;

In adopting the motion, the House resolved to urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate relief materials to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.

It also urged the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to commence rehabilitation to prevent further loss of lives and properties.

The House further urges the Federal Government to increase Ecological Funding to address the menace of erosion in Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State, which has become a threat to the lives and properties of the affected Communities.

The House as well mandates the Committees on Environment, Ecological Funds, Niger Delta Ministry, Niger Delta Development Commission, and Emergency Disaster Preparedness to ensure compliance.