HOR Advocates Enhanced Disaster Preparedness By Govt

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to urgently upgrade the nation’s flood control infrastructure and enhance disaster preparedness in flood-prone regions, following a catastrophic flood that left over 500 people dead in Niger and Kwara States.

In a motion of urgent Public Importance sponsored by Joshua Gana and Co-sponsored by Saba Umaru,, Gana drew attention to the widespread devastation in Mokwa, Niger State, and parts of Edu Local Government Area in Kwara, where heavy rains and infrastructure failure led to catastrophic flooding.

In his lead debate, Gana said the flood submerged commercial and residential areas including Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa, destroying more than 4,000 homes.

The house acknowledged the swift response of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who approved N2 billion in emergency relief through the office of the Vice President, and commended the Governor of Niger State for contributing N1 billion.

The house also praised efforts of NGOs and concerned Nigerians who have donated to support the victims.

Despite the relief efforts, the house warned of rising cases of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid worsen by overcrowded displacement camps with poor sanitation

Adopting the motion, the House urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately provide relief supplies, including water purification equipment, to prevent disease outbreaks in affected communities.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji