The House of Representatives has expressed serious concern about the erosion issues plaguing the Auchi area and its surroundings in Edo State. The House has called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the region to address the erosion problems comprehensively and protect lives and property.
Furthermore, the House has urged the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to take immediate action in reconstructing the bridge that connects Iddo-Okugbe Communities with Awuyemi Community and the Ayogwiri-Ogbona axis of the Auchi to Agenebode Federal Highway.
This will ensure access for vehicles and commuters to other parts of the country, as the previous road was disrupted by erosion, leading to unofficial routes and extortion by local youths.
In addition, the House has called on the Federal Ministry of Works to compel the contractor responsible for the Auchi/Agenebode road project to resume work promptly.
The House has also requested the Rural Electrification Agency to replace damaged electricity poles, wires, and other components, and to restore power to the affected communities.
Hon. Anamero Dekeri, who sponsored the motion, highlighted the environmental degradation and devastation caused by rainstorm disasters and gully erosion in Etsako Federal Constituency.
These disasters have led to the destruction of lives, properties, farmlands, agricultural produce, and vital communication routes, rendering some areas inaccessible. The recent rainstorm disaster in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area, particularly damaged the bridge connecting Iddo-Okugbe with Awuyemi and disrupted electricity and communication networks.
He said further that “in Etsako West Local Government Area, there are several cases of gully erosion sites at different magnitudes posing significant danger to lives and properties.
The lawmaker said: ” In Ogwokhai community, Aibotse Hitage Zone, Osomeke and Oshiomhole Village, and along Aviele-Auchi Federal Highway by Osokwili Axis (Etsako West, State Constituency 1), from one side and on the other side (State Constituency 2) the Auchi to Agenebode Federal Highway has been cut off by a large gully at the Ayogwiri-Ogbona axis of the road, rendering vehicular movement from the Northern to Southern parts of the country through the route impassable”.
He therefore called for the need to stem the ugly trend of environmental degradation in Etsako Federal Constituency, Edo State.
