The House of Representatives has called for urgent federal intervention to address devastating floods in Delta State, following the collapse of a section of the East-West Road at Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area.
The call followed a motion moved by Rep. Francis Waive, representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, and seconded by Rep. Mukhtar Muhammad, during plenary presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
Moving the motion, titled “Need for Federal Intervention to Address the Devastating Flood in Delta State and Other Parts of the Country,” Waive said persistent heavy rainfall had submerged homes, roads, schools and businesses, displaced families and destroyed livelihoods in affected communities.
He warned that the damage to the East-West Road, a major transport corridor linking Delta State with Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and other parts of the South-South, posed serious risks to motorists, commercial activities and the movement of essential goods.
The lawmaker also raised concerns over the potential disruption of education and healthcare services, as well as the increased risks of road accidents and waterborne diseases.
While commending the Delta State Government for its prompt response, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s visit to the affected area and remedial work on the highway, Waive said the scale of the disaster required additional federal support.
The House consequently urged the Federal Ministry of Works to mobilise the resources needed to restore the damaged road, while directing the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials and emergency assistance to affected communities in Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu.
It also called on the Ecological Funds Office to implement permanent measures to address erosion challenges in Agbarho.
The House mandated its Committees on Works, Emergency Preparedness and Ecological Funds to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
Speaker Abbas referred the motion to the relevant committees for further consideration.
