Reps Urge Ecological Office to Address Gully Erosion Issue in Otolo Nnewi to Avoid Collapse of Transmission Tower, Other Infrastructures

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government, particularly the Ecological Project Office, to immediately deploy resources and expertise to address the gully erosion site in Okofia Village, Otolo Nnewi, Anambra State.

Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi Presenting Motion on the Floor of the House of Representatives on Thursday 8th February, 2024
The House called for necessary measures to be taken in order to prevent further environmental degradation in the communities.

This followed the adoption of a motion by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi representing Ndokwa East/Ndokwa West/Ukwuani Federal Constituency of Delta State on the floor of the House in Abuja on Thursday.

He said that the gully erosion site in Okofia Village, Otolo Nnewi, Anambra State, posed an imminent and avoidable environmental threat to the region, becoming a potential death trap for residents.

He noted that the erosion had already severed road infrastructure, rendering several areas inaccessible to the residents, thereby hampering essential services and endangering lives.

He said the proximity of the gully erosion site to the transmission tower, if not addressed promptly, posed a significant risk to power transmission infrastructure.

This, according to him, could lead to the destruction of critical power components and exacerbating power outages.

He said that the delay in addressing the issue could lead to irreversible environmental damage and exacerbate the already challenging power supply situation in the country.

The House called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to collaborate with local authorities to provide immediate relief to residents affected by the severed road infrastructure caused by the gully erosion.

The House also encouraged the Federal Ministry of Power to expedite efforts to safeguard the transmission tower near the gully erosion site.

This, according to the lawmakers, is to prevent potential disruptions to power transmission and protect critical power infrastructure.

The House, however, mandated the House Committees on Environment, Power, Emergency and Disaster Management, and Ecological Fund to ensure compliance.

BY:LUCKY KENEDY