The Senate has urged the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to ensure regular surveillance on Federal highways to identify and address erosion threats to federal roads across the country.
Following a motion sponsored by Sen. Umeh, Victor Chukwungnyetu, representing the senatorial district of Anambra Central, on the urgent need to control the erosion ravaging the Onitsha Oba Section of the Onitsha-Owerri Federal Highway in Anambra State, the motion reads:
“Notes with dismay the devastating effects of ravaging gully erosion and landslides on the Onitsha-Owerri Federal Road, between Electrical Parts Market and Metallurgical Training Institute, Obasi (Idemili North LGA) and Oba Junction near Rojenny Games Village in Idemili South LGA – along Onitsha-Owerri Federal Highway, all within Anambra Central Senatorial District of Anambra State.
“Also notes that one lane of the affected road has been cut off by the gully erosion at the Oba junction while the second lane is under serious threat of imminent collapse, and buildings and factories within the vicinity are on the verge of collapsing into the gully.
“Worried that the erosion and landslide are creating traffic gridlock along sections of the Onitsha-Owerri Highway.
“Concerned that if the menace of gully erosion and landslide is not urgently controlled, those sections of the road will completely cave in, leading to the total disconnection of the highway with attendant severe consequences and cutting off vehicular movement to Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River States.
“Furthers that Onitsha Owerri federal highway is a gateway to business activities and other relationships between the Western States and South East and South-South States.
“Equally notes that the magnitude of the menace is beyond the control of the State Government.”
With contributions from other legislators, the following interventions were considered and further resolved:
“Urge the Federal Government to direct the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to commence repairs and re-construction of the affected parts of the Onitsha-Owerri Federal road, particularly the sections between Upper Iweka Roundabout in Onitsha and in Idemili South L.G.A of Anambra State, which span about kilometers.
“Further urge the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to join in the detection and prevention of erosion menace on the highways.”