The House of Representatives has urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials for residents of communities affected by ocean surge in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The green chamber also urged the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to ensure that the displaced families in the communities are rehabilitated.
It further urged the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to provide drugs, vaccines and medical personnel to the affected communities to help combat any impending outbreak.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi at plenary Wednesday.
Moving the motion, Ereyitomi noted the recurring ocean surge and coastal erosion, in addition to increased rainfall that has disrupted the activities of multinational oil companies through oil exploration and exploitation.
He lamented that the surge rendered residents homeless, submerged considerable parts of the area, and destroyed properties and means of livelihood.
He further lamented that despite repeated calls and resolutions of the House on the need to address the menace of ocean surge ravaging Ugborodo, Ogidigben, Orere, Ogheye, Idimugun, Akpakpka, Ajudaibo, Madangho, Kokodiagbene, Opuama and other communities in Warri, nothing has been done to mitigate the devastating effect borne by the communities.
The lawmaker said: “The House was concerned that the main occupation of Costain residents and neighbouring riverine settlements is fishing, thus the effect of the ocean surge has rendered them helpless and jobless. It was also concerned that the recent surge has not only rendered the residents of the communities homeless but also poses a threat to the health of residents which may lead to disease outbreak thus increasing the risk of transmitting COVID-19, as residents have resulted to make-shift shelters.”
Adopting the motion, the House mandated its Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness and Healthcare Services to ensure compliance.
source: thisday live
