Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The House of Representatives Committee on Ecological Funds has visited some parts of Enugu State affected by flooding.
The communities visited by the committee are Amechi Idodo, Amauzam Amagunze, Ihuokpara and Nkerefi communities in Nkanu East LGA and Mpu, Okpanku, Oduma and Nenwe in Aninri Local Government Areas.
The team led by it’s Chairman Hon. Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji, while assessing the sites explained that they decided to embark on the fact-finding visit to see things for themselves, assuring that substantial funds would be made available to address the situation.
“We have selected some states. Now, we have seen the level and magnitude of the flooding and other ecological issues that we are here to identify.
“We are equally here to find a lasting solution to most of the ecological issues that we have across the country. We have seen this place and we are heading to other places to see for ourselves.
“Before we took over the leadership of this committee, there were so many things that went wrong and now we are trying to correct the public perceptions regarding the Ecological Fund.
“We want to make sure that this time, it will be completely different from the tradition of giving some piecemeal to the states to address the challenges.
“Now, we are looking at the real problem. Our assessment here is that the devastation will not only affect the communities, but will also have some significant impact on the economy. And as far as farmlands and the houses are submerged, leading to displacement, there will be a decline in the national security of the country.
“So, we are trying to see how we can provide remedy to these challenges. We will make sure that we provide substantial funds that will cater for such problems,” Jaji said.
