Cross River assembly wants emergency status declared on erosion sites in the state
The 10th Cross River State House of Assembly has called on the State government to declare emergency status on erosion sites in the state.
The House wants the state government, through the Ministry of Works and other relevant agencies to conduct an immediate assessment of affected areas, embark on emergency remedial works to salvage already decimated erosion sites as well as develop and implement long-term strategies to prevent future occurrences.
The resolutions were adopted following a motion calling on the government and the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Program (NEWMAP) to rescue erosion sites in Calabar Municipality sponsored by Hon. Stanley Bassey Nsemo, the member representing Calabar Municipality.
Nsemo noted that erosion has become a recurring decimal in the state, culminating in loss of lives, property and livelihoods.
He said the recent torrential rainfall has exacerbated the situation, leaving many communities like Ikot Effanga, Ikot Enobong, Akai Efa, Summit Hills Estate and Nyahasang vulnerable and displaced. He lamented that erosion has washed away many important landmarks including houses, graves, farm lands amongst others.
The lawmaker called for swift and decisive action to address the erosion problem in order to protect and preserve facilities of the State and that of citizens.
He thanked the Speaker, Rt Hon. Elvert Ayambem and Members for their contributions towards the recovery of the erosion site at Nasarawa community, while commending Governor Bassey Otu for his effort in addressing the welfare of citizens.
House members agreed that the situation require urgent remedial action to stem further loss of lives and property.
They reiterated that Calabar Municipality was the capital of the State and Governor Otu’s led “People First” government should address the erosion problem in order to protect and preserve the environment and the well-being of its citizens
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)
