Senate urges FG to curb flooding in Lagos, Ogun

The Senate has urged the Federal Government to convene stakeholders’ meeting to assess the recurring flooding incidence in some communities in Lagos and Ogun states with a view to find lasting solution to flood disasters.

The Senate’s resolution was sequel to a point of order moved by Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru (APC-Lagos) during Tuesday’s plenary.

The motion was titled: “Flood Disaster in Ikosi-Isheri, Agboyi-Ketu and several other communities in Lagos and Ogun.”

The red chamber also commiserated with the victims of the flood disaster and commended the Government of Lagos and Ogun for their handling of the crisis occasioned by the flood disaster.

It also directed the relevant committees of the Senate to provide adequate funding for NIMET, Hydrological Agency of Nigeria, and the River Basin Development Authorities to effectively carry out their responsibilities in line with their mandates.

Abiru in his lead debate, said that a number of communities close to the coast lines in Ikosi-Isheri and Agboyi-Ketu in Lagos and other communities in Ogun State had always experienced flooding whenever the Oyan River dam was opened.

“The recent release of water from the dam caused unimaginable havoc to residents’ property and livelihoods particularly on Tuesday, Oct.24.

“The residents of the areas have fled their homes and business, schools and religious centres have all shut down in the affected communities,” Abiru said.

The lawmaker further said that there was an urgent humanitarian crisis occasioned by the flood as “those who were sacked by the flood were hanging around with family members and friends.”

He, however, said that in response to the threatening humanitarian crisis, the governors of Lagos and Ogun and the Minister of Water Resources have all intervened in their respective capacities.

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