ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY ADVOCATES FOR MORE IDP CAMPS.(PHOTO)

 Anambra Assembly Advocates For More IDP Camps 

The Anambra State House of Assembly, has urged Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, to construct more permanent internally displaced persons’ (IDPs) camps to cushion the effect of flooding in the riverine areas of the state.

The House resolution followed a motion, moved under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, by Mr Noble Igwe, representing Ogbaru Constituency l, at plenary on  July 18.

 

The lawmaker said,  "There has been a regular annual overflow of the bank of river Niger leading to flooding of the adjoining communities".

Igwe expressed concern that  people are normally displaced from their homes for some months on annual basis with attendant hardship on life and health. 

“The devastating effect of the flood on lives, property and activities within the affected region are enormous.

“Children and aged persons have become vulnerable to threatening hazards associated with non-provision of adequate holding camps for such emergencies.

“Therefore, there is an urgent need for intervention. The state government can establish a standard holding centres for flood displaced persons at strategic places to alleviate the sufferings of the people,” he said.

In her views, Mrs Nkechi Ogbuefi, Anaocha Constituency l, said that women and children were the most affected in cases of flooding.

“Due to the lack of shelter and camps, women and children are malnourished and they contend with water-borne diseases like cholera, malaria and dysentery.

“There is the need to construct permanent IDP camps in those riverine areas with humanitarian assistance and medical services to safeguard their health and safety,” she said.

Contributing, Mr Anthony Muobike, representing Aguata Constituency ll, said that there is need to prioritize proactive measures to prevent the flood from affecting people and property in state.

Also speaking, Mr Patrick Udoba, representing Anambra West Constituency, urged the Federal Government to start immediate dredging of the Rivers Niger and Benue as well as other rivers across the country.

He said that the dredging would curb the challenges of perennial flooding and its resultant loss of lives and property.

The Speaker of the House, Mr Somtochukwu Udeze, urged the  agencies saddled with the responsibility of flooding to do the needful.

“The Assembly called on Gov. Soludo to establish more permanent holding centres for flood victims in each of the riverine areas in the state,” he said. (MOI)

By Chizoba Okeke/Anastasia Agunwa/Gloria Abugu