Reps want holistic, systematic actions in erosion menace Control

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives on Tuesday, told the Federal Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies to take a holistic and systematic approach in containing the gully erosion menace across the country.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion on the need for the Control of Persistent Gully Erosion along Ugwuonyeama 9th Mile Federal Road in Enugu North And Udi Local Government Area and across the country sponsored by Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu.
The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to complete the reconstruction of Ugwuonyeama 9th Mile Road to prevent the total collapse of the road.
It mandated the Committees on Environment, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and Works (when constituted) to investigate the threat posed by Gully Erosion along Ugwuonyeama 9th Mile Road in Enugu State and recommend long term solution.
The House noted the strategic importance of the Ugwuonyeama 9th Mile Road to the economy of the South East States in particular and the country, in general.
It said the importance of the road cannot be underestimated as the road enables traders to transport goods to markets within and to neighbouring States and serves as a route to Enugu State, the commercial city in South East.
The House noted that the adverse effects of erosion on these roads have long been ignored and if not checked may cut off access to other States within the South East.
The House worried that Ugwuonyeama 9th Mile Road has remained a death trap resulting in loss of lives, goods and services worth millions of naira on a daily basis due to frequent accidents on the bad portions of the road yet to be completed.