Save Coastal Communities From Pending Flood, Delta Assembly Urges Governor Okowa

The Delta State House of Assembly, has passed a resolution calling on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to as a matter of urgency direct the relevant Agencies of government in the State to immediately commence preventive and precautionary measures along coastal communities of the state that are situate along the flood plains and tributaries of the River Niger.

The resolution was sequel to a motion brought under matters of urgent public importance by the Member Representing Ughelli South Constituency, Hon Reuben Izeze, during resumed plenary of the house after seven weeks break.

The Lawmaker, Hon Reuben Izeze, in the motion particularly named coastal communities of Okwagbe, Ofrukama, Okpare and Omosuomo in Ughelli South among others with high risk of probable flooding.

Hon Izeze said the motion was with a view to minimizing the devastating effect of the impending flood that has already started ravaging communities in Savannah plains.

The Lawmaker explained that the preventive and precautionary measures should include sensitization of residents of coastal communities, clearing of blockages on existing natural waterways, desilting of canals and drains as well as preparation of temporary camps to accommodate residents of communities that may require relocation.

Hon Izeze recalled the heavy flooding experienced in the state in 2012, saying that it could not have been so terrible and devastating there was prediction about it coming and proactive measures were taken to mitigate the effect.

He said now that Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NiMet, had warned that over 28 States in the Country, including Delta is at risk of possible flooding, it was pertinent for the state to prepare for it aimed at averting the imminent danger.

Hon Izeze therefore stressed the need for the Governor to direct the Delta State Ministry of Environment, the Bureau for Special Duties, the State Emergency Management Agency and all other relevant government department to commence preventive and precautionary measures in that regards.

He emphasized that there was the need for government to act to prevent loose of lives and property in the state to flooding.

The Chief Whip of the House, Hon Pat Ajudua,  Deputy Chief Whip, Solomon Ighrakpata,  Deputy Majority leader, Oboro Preyor and the Member representing Ika North East, Anthony Ekekeokwuri, were unanimous in their debate that urgent proactive measures must be taken to avert the possible flood disaster in the State.

Saying that the motion was in line with the constitutional responsibility of the house, the Lawmakers said preparing for eventualities was very key to checking the danger ahead.

In their separate submissions, the Member representing Warri South West, Hon Dennis Guwor, Warri South two, Matthew Opuoru, Aniocha North, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, Patani, Emmanuel Sinebe, Warri South one, Austin Uroye, Oshimili South, Shedrack Rapu and Aniocha South, Austin Chikezie, described the motion as apt and timely given the imminent danger of the predicted flooding.

They stated that probable danger of flooding in the State as predicted by the NiMet, calls for concern hence the need for proactive actions.

The motion was unanimously adopted when put to voice votes by the Speaker, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori who presided over the plenary.