The Imo state House of Assembly has appealed to Gov. Hope Uzodimma to direct the state Ministry of Works to intervene in the flooded areas in Works Layout, Owerri Municipal.
The house made the appeal following a motion moved by the representative of Owerri Municipal state constituency, Mr Clinton Amadi.
Amadi, while presenting the motion noted that the residents of Kurume Uche Street and Standard Shoe Industry area of Works Layout Owerri were facing severe flood devastation.
He said one life had been lost while homes and business premises had been destroyed in the area by the floods.
The lawmaker stated that the Balloon Technology tunnel which the governor had commissioned for the area had failed as a result of blockage from sand and debris, making it impossible for adequate draining of flood waters.
He stressed that immediate action was needed to forestall further loss of lives, devastation and destruction of property.
He therefore prayed the house to urge the governor to direct the Commissioner for Works to direct staff of the minisry to immediately desilt the tunnel to enable proper drainage and avert disaster.
Contributing to the motion, the Chief Whip, Mr Chigozie Nwaneri (Oru East) noted that the severity of the situation was worrisome as “the floods get as deep as five feet”.
He added also that the flooding in the area had led to loss of revenue as businesses could no longer function.
Also supporting the motion, Mr Kelechi Ofurum (Owerri North) called for the contractor who built the tunnel to be brought in to handle the necessary repairs.
Mr Kingsley Ozurumba (Isu) added that the floods had reduced the quality of lives of people living in the area and devalued their property.
He added also that the major focus of the government should be protecting lives and property in the state and as such should take immediate action to handle the flooding.
Following the contributions of other house members, the Speaker, Mr Chike Olemgbe (Ihitte Uboma) ruled in favour of the motions prayers.
He also directed the Clerk, Mrs Chinelo Emeghara to convey the resolutions to the governor and the Ministry of Works.
