The Senate has called on the federal government to release money from the Ecological Fund to Cross River State. This is to help tackle erosion and landslides that have taken lives and displaced people.
On Tuesday, the Senate made this request after agreeing on a motion from Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong. He represents Cross River South Senatorial District and highlighted the urgent need to handle the state's serious ecological problems.
Senator Ekpenyong pointed out that erosion and landslides are endangering lives and properties in several areas. This is especially true in Calabar metropolis, affecting places like Atakpa, Edim Otop, Ikot Effangha Mkpa, Nyaghasang, Ikot Anwatim, Nasarawa/Bacoco, Akai Effa, Bayside, Summit Hills, and Anansa.
He mentioned a tragic event from July when a landslide in Ikot Anwatim killed five people, including four siblings from the same family. This landslide also destroyed two homes and injured two other people.
The senator also brought up another landslide in Edim Otop that took the life of an eight-year-old girl. He warned that without urgent action, more lives could be at risk.
Mr Ekpenyong pointed to several reasons for the worsening erosion. These include poorly designed drainage systems, careless waste disposal, unregulated sand mining, cutting down vegetation, and damaging drainage infrastructure.
He urged the Senate to convince the federal government to approve and release enough funds from the Ecological Fund. This money should go towards emergency measures and erosion control, focusing on communities where lives have already been lost and those at immediate risk.
The senator also called on the Federal Ministry of Environment to work with the Cross River State Government and relevant agencies. They should quickly assess high-risk areas and start emergency protection work.
He further requested that the Federal Ministries of Environment and Works make funding for erosion control projects a priority. They need to ensure that major actions have proper geotechnical and hydrological studies, good engineering designs, effective supervision, and environmental protections.
Most senators supported the motion during a voice vote.
After the motion was passed, Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to team up with the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency. They will work with local councils to provide temporary shelter, food, medical care, and emotional support to affected families.
Mr Akpabio also told NEMA to help safely evacuate and temporarily relocate people in danger. They should also set up early-warning systems and keep an eye on unstable areas.
He directed the Senate Committee on Environment to visit affected communities. They should check existing efforts and talk to relevant agencies about funding and implementation.
The committee is expected to report back to the Senate with recommendations for further action.
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