Gully Erosion: Reps Investigate Contractors

The House of Representatives yesterday mandated its Committee on Environment and Habitat to determine what led to the abandonment of the reclamation contract of a project awarded in 2010 in some communities in Edo state.

This is as the House also urged the Federal Ministry of Environment to work out pro-active measures to tackle the perennial flooding caused by changing climatic conditions and increasing urbanization.
The House resolution followed a Motion sponsored by the member representing Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben Federal constituency, Edo state, Rep. Joe Edionwele titled; “Devasting Gully Erosion/Perenial Flooding in Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben Federal Constituency of Edo state.
According to the Honourable member, gully erosion as a major environmental problem that constitutes a threat to the continued existence of human communities in the rural and urban areas in the country has greatly devastated towns and villages in the Constituency by washing away houses, farmlands and roads.

He recalled that the devastating gully erosion which ravaged Ibore-Irrua and also Eguare-Ewu communities in 2010 led to the award of contract, under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Environment, for the reclamation of the land, but that so far, no appreciable work has been done and the contractor has abandoned the work.
He informed the House that Ewu community has become a pathetic case as the town has been divided into two with some communities unable to connect with their kiths and kins in other parts.
“I must bring to the notice of this House that Ewu community is presently divided into two separate communities as a result of the gully caused by erosion. Residents of Idunwele community can nolonger assess the market in Ehanlen and also have easy access to the palace located in Eguare because of the Deep gully”
The House in a unanimous decision adopted the prayers made in the Motion while also urging the Ecological Fund Office to undertake a visit to the affected areas with a view to setting machinery in motion to arrest the incidence of gully erosion in the areas.