Flooding:Reps To Constitute Committee

The House of Representatives on Wednesday, resolved to constitute an Ad-hoc Committee to assess the damage caused by flooding in Lagos.

It commiserated with the Lagos State Government over the disaster.

It urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to send relief materials to the victims.

The lawmakers called on the Ministry of Environment to use ecological funds to assist in mitigating the calamity.

They urged President Goodluck Jonathan to assent to the National Climate Change Commission Bill before him.

The resolutions followed a motion moved by Rep. Yakub Balogun (Lagos–ACN).

Leading the debate, Balogun said an unprecedented flood in Lagos and neighbouring states had resulted from torrential rain on Sunday, damaging property.

He said the floods also claimed many lives, adding that their effect was devastating to the extent that the Lagos State Government ordered the closure of schools.

Balogun said many houses were submerged in water, adding that the situation was pathetic.

Rep. Abike Dabiri–Erewa (ACN- Lagos), who supported the motion, said the disaster was a world-wide phenomenon.

She attributed it to climate change prevalent in Japan, Thailand and other countries.

The lawmaker explained that when the rain fell in the coastal area of Lagos, flooding resulted in Island, Agege and some other areas.

Dabiri-Erewa urged the Federal Government to intervene by making tidal gates to stop the flood.

Rep. Samson Osagie (Edo–ACN), said the House should take a holistic interest in the flood issue.

“Lagos is a very significant state.’’

Rep. Jerry Manwe (PDP-Taraba), urged the House to ask NEMA to intervene without delay.

Rep. John Enoh (PDP–Cross River), said the issue was beyond NEMA.

He urged the House to call on the President to assent to the National Climate Change Commission Bill.