Worried by the devastating impact of flooding in various communities in Nkwerre local government area, which have left many residents in perpetual agony, properties destroyed and businesses in shambles, the Imo State House Of Assembly has urged the Imo State Government to find lasting solution to the flood menace.
This was the outcome of a Motion moved during Plenary by the Member Representing Nkwerre State Constituency, Hon Barrister Chisom Ojukwu.
Moving the Motion, Hon Ojukwu bemoaned the devastating impact of flooding in the various communities in Nkwerre local government area, noting that as a result, buildings and businesses have been affected.
Hon Ojukwu further noted that rain water coming from communities in other local government areas such as Orlu and Njaba pass through communities in Nkwerre before emptying into the Iyi-Ukwu Nkwerre. He observed that many years ago, Iyi-Ukwu Nkwerre would easily contain the flood, but today, due to climatic changes, the situation is no longer the same, as the Iyi-Ukwu Nkwerre where the rain water from distant communities in other local government areas empties itself, can no longer collect such high volumes of the rain water due to the pollutants, hazardous substances and debris from water bodies.
In his words, Hon Chisom Ojukwu, who is the House Committee Chairman on Budget And Appropriation said, “the rain water coming from some communities in Orlu and Njaba local government areas through Eziachi and Amucha passing through Eziama-Obaire, Amaokpara and causing great havoc at Okwu, Umukalu, Durumba, Umuokpu, Amangwu, Umukabia, Ukwuinyi, Umuchukwu, Obinuhu Obinocha, etc, all in Nkwerre State Constituency have left many dwellers in perpetual agony”.
Worried by the devastating impact in Nkwerre, Hon Chisom Ojukwu called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to come to the rescue, noting that the People’s Governor gives attention to Motions from the Imo State House Of Assembly, unlike what is obtainable in other States.
While calling on his Honourable Colleagues to lend their support, the only voice from Nkwerre further noted, “the dredging of Iyi-Ukwu Nkwerre into a Mini Lake and Beach Resort will make it to become a tourist destination where tourists and fun lovers will be visiting for site seeing and other recreational activities which will help to shore up the Internal Generated Revenue of the State”.
The Motion which was seconded by Hon Chigozie Nwaneri, who is the Chief Whip and Member Representing Oru-East State Constituency, was co-sponsored by the following lawmakers;
- Hon Emeka Ozurumba.
- Rt Honourable Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu.
- Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi.
- Hon Chigozie Nwaneri.
- Hon Johnson Duru.
- Hon Okechukwu Udeze.
The following Lawmakers made valuable contributions while supporting the Motion;
- Rt Honourable Kennedy Chidozie Ibeh (Obowo).
- Hon Emeka Ozurumba (Isu).
- Hon Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie (Mbaitoli).
- Hon James Uba Esile (Onuimo).
In their respective submissions, they commended the Chief Sponsor of the Motion for drawing the attention of the House to the mance of flooding in Nkwerre local government area, describing the havoc it has caused as unquantifiable, as it also affects several communities in other local government areas of the state. They therefore called for solution before it gets out of hand.
Satisfied with the contributions from Honourable Members, the Speaker, Rt Honourable Chike Olemgbe, put it to vote and it was unanimously adopted. Thereafter, he Ruled as follows ;
Be It Resolved By This Honourable House To Urge The Imo State Government Led By His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma To Direct The Ministry Of Works, Ministry Of Environment And Other Relevant Agencies To Urgently Find Solution To The Flood Menace Ravaging Nkwerre Local Government Area.
Be It Also Resolved To Urge Our Darling Governor To Shine His Developmental Search Light On Nkwerre And To Direct The Ministry Of Works, Environment, Culture And Tourism To Commence The Dredging Of Iyi-Ukwu Into A Mini Lake And The Development Of A Tourist Center For Imo State In Nkwerre Local Government Area.
The Clerk was directed to communicate the Resolution of the House to His Excellency the Governor.
