…. Appeals for completion of Ivo Dam
From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
The Member representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency in the 10th National Assembly, Hon. Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu, has moved a motion of urgent importance to attract relief materials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for victims of the recent flood disaster in four communities in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The affected communities are Mpu, Ndeabor, Okpanku and Oduma, where torrential rainfall reportedly swept away farm crops, storage houses and destroyed several properties belonging to rural dwellers, most of whom are farmers.
It would be recalled that the heavy rainfall, which lasted for about 15 hours from the late hours of Monday, September 21, into Tuesday, September 22, caught many families unawares, leaving several households and businesses devastated.
In his commitment to the welfare of his constituents, Onwuegbu sponsored the motion seeking NEMA’s urgent intervention to alleviate the suffering of the victims by providing them with relief materials.
Speaking at plenary, Onwuegbu said: “Mr Speaker, My Honourable Colleagues, My names are Hon Engr Anayo Onwuegbu, I am still representing the wonderful people of Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency. I am from Enugu State.
“Mr Speaker, My dear Colleagues, I am coming under Order 8/52 to seek leave of this House to move a motion of urgent national importance for National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to come to the rescue of my constituents who are devastated with ecological problems.
“Mr Speaker, My Colleagues, I so move.”
In a press statement circulated on several social media platforms, Onwuegbu lamented that the about 15-hour torrential rainfall caught many families unawares as floodwaters swept through homes and communities, destroying property, shops, market stores, food supplies, farms, rice mills, poultry and piggery facilities, as well as other sources of livelihood.
He said, “Beyond the material losses, my greatest concern is the plight of families who have been displaced and are now facing serious humanitarian challenges.”
The federal lawmaker said he had called for urgent intervention by NEMA to provide food, household and building materials, clothing, bedding, sanitation supplies and medical assistance, including essential drugs for adults and children.
He expressed satisfaction that his colleagues immediately adopted the motion.
His words: “I am grateful that the House unanimously adopted the motion, and directed NEMA to take immediate steps to provide relief to the affected communities.”
The technocrat-turned-politician also disclosed that he had reiterated his call for the release of funds to facilitate the completion of the Ivo Dam project.
“I also called for the necessary budgetary provisions for the completion of the Ivo Dam, as part of the long-term measures needed to mitigate the recurrence and impact of flooding in Aninri and neighbouring communities.”
The federal lawmaker, who is seeking re-election for a second term in office, assured that he would continue to use his position to draw attention to the challenges confronting communities in the Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency and pursue meaningful interventions that would bring relief to the people.
