UYO – The Akwa Ibom House of Assembly has urged the state ministry for environment to adopt preventive flood management strategies to protect coastal communities vulnerable to flooding as the rainy season begins.
This was sequealed to a motion presented at plenary on Friday by the member for Etim Ekpo/Ika state constituency, Mr Mfon Idung.
Idung said that there was the urgent need for proactive flood management measures in anticipation of the upcoming rainy season.
The lawmaker said flood incidents have continued to claim lives as well as property of residents, thereby casting a shadow over socio-economic prospects of the state.
He urged government to be conscious of the environment by initiating several interventions projects to curb flooding in the state.
He warned that if the anticipated heavy rains commence without putting in place necessary measures, the state may be exposed to extensive damage of property and loss of lives.
The motion was seconded by Mr Moses Essien, member representing Ibiono Ibom state constituency.
After careful deliberations, the Speaker of the House, Mr Udeme Otong, directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs NsikakAbasi Orok, to communicate the resolution of the house to relevant authorities for immediate action.
Meanwhile, the house also tasked the Akwa Ibom State Waste Protection and Management Agency (AKSEPMA) to maintain and initiate the clearing of drainage systems across the state. (NAN)
