Reps urge FG to provide relief materials to Edo flood victims

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government through the National Management Agency to provide relief materials to the Ekeke and Amoya-Otuo communities in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, which were recently displaced by flooding.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the House Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, on Wednesday during plenary.

Drumming support for the motion, Prof Ihonvbere said, “The House noted with concern the unprecedented flooding disaster that affected Ekeke-Erah, and massive windstorm that affected Ake, Amoya-Otuo other communities in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, resulting in widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure including a bridge in Ekeke, farmlands, and livelihoods.

“The House notes that the affected communities have been plunged into total darkness as a result of the flood that pulled down electric poles and damaged solar streetlights

“We recognise that the affected communities are in dire need of emergency assistance, including relief food and medical materials, and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.”

He commended the Edo State Government, the Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly and the Local Government in responding to the disaster, stressing, however, “that the magnitude of the disaster requires additional support from the Federal Government.”

The motion enjoyed overwhelming support from lawmakers present at Wednesday’s plenary and was subsequently adopted.

The House thereafter urged the National Emergency Management Agency to provide immediate relief materials to the affected communities, including food, water, blankets, mats, shelter, and medical supplies.

It also charged the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to urgently respond to the needs of the people of Ekeke-Erah, Ake, Amoya-Otuo and other communities affected by the disasters.