EROSION: CRHA Urges Govt To Declare a State of Emergency, Embark On Remedial Work To Salvage Sites 

By, Itam Offor 

The Cross River State House of Assembly has called on the State government to declare a state of emergency on erosion sites in the state.

The House further wants the State Government, through the Ministry of Works and other relevant Agencies to conduct an immediate assessment of affected areas, embark on emergency remedial works to salvage erosion sites, as well as develop and implement long-term strategies to prevent future occurrences.

These resolutions were adopted following a motion calling on the State Government and the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management  Programme (NEWMAP) to salvage erosion sites in Calabar Municipality sponsored by Hon. Stanley Bassey Nsemo (Calabar Municipality). 

Leading debate on the motion, Nsemo noted that erosion has become a recurring and devastating issue in the State causing loss of lives, property and livelihoods.

He said that, the recent heavy rainfall has exacerbated the situation, leaving many communities like Ikot Effanga, Ikot Enobong, Akai Efa, Summit Hills Estate and Nyahasang vulnerable and displaced. He lamented that erosion has washed away many important properties including houses, graves, farm lands amongst others.

The Lawmaker sued for swift and decisive action to be taken to address the erosion problem to facilitate the protection and preservation of the State’s environment and wellbeing of its citizens.

He thanked the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem  and Members for their contributions towards the recovery of the erosion site at Nasarawa while commending Governor Bassey Edet Otu for his efforts in addressing the welfare of citizens.

Contributing to the debate, Members observed that the situation required urgent remedial action to forestall further loss of lives and property.

They reiterated that Calabar Municipality was the capital of the State adding that the Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu led “People First Government” should address the erosion problem in order to ensure the protection and preservation of the State’s environment and the well-being of its citizens.