The House of Representatives on Wednesday expressed empathy with the people of Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State over the devastating effect of the rain disaster of Monday, 15 August 2022 and has urged the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to include the reconstruction of the bridge connecting the Republic of Benin and Nigeria in the 2023 Budget Estimates.
In addition, the lawmakers also urged the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials for victims in the affected communities.
The decision of the House followed the adoption of a motion on the need to address the effect of rain disaster in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State sponsored by Rep. Mohammed Omar Bio.
In his motion, Bio noted that Chikanda is an international border community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State that is connected to the Republic of Benin through a bridge to ease the movement of people and transaction of business and services.
He said: “On Monday, 15 August 2022 there was a torrential rainfall which resulted in a heavy flood thus pulling down the only bridge connecting the Republic of Benin and Nigeria, carting away livestock worth millions of naira, with over seventy (70) farmlands washed away and rendered families homeless in Chikanda community, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Cognizance is taken of the need for urgent intervention by relevant agencies of Government to reconstruct the bridge connecting the Republic of Benin and Nigeria to ease the movement of goods and services.
Also in his prayers, the lawmaker urged the House to mandate the Committees on Emergency and, Disaster Preparedness and Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation and report back within eight (8 weeks for further legislative action.
The motion was voted on and adopted after it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker.