The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has moved a motion for the State Ministry of Environment and other related agencies to carry out inspections to environmentally degraded communities of Urue Offong/Oruko as a result of erosion.
It prayed that the relevant agencies would come up with the necessary recommendations for government intervention.
This was contained in a motion sponsored by Hon. Precious Selong, member representing Urue Offong/Oruko state Constituency, and co-sponsored by Rt. Hon Effiong Johnson of Mbo, which was presented to the House during Thursday plenary.
According to Hon Selong, the erosion has ravaged communities in Urue Offong/Oruko cutting across Urue Offong, Umume, Ibotong Eweme, Eyoabiasang villages and the neighboring Ubotuong Enwang in Mbo Local Government Area.
The lawmaker expressed worry that several buildings in the affected villages have been submerged and risk imminent collapse as a result of the present state of erosion and flooding witnessed due to heavy downpours.
The motion read in parts, “Recently, this erosion has aggravated the unfortunate situation, thereby increasing the deplorable condition of these villages and negatively impacting socio-economic activities in these communities, thus causing avoidable losses of lives, property and businesses.”
Responding, the Speaker, Rt. Hon Udeme Otong, referred the matter to the House Committee on Environment for further action.
