The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government and the Imo State Government to urgently address severe gully erosion, flooding and damaged road infrastructure affecting communities in Ideato North and Ideato South Federal Constituency.
The lawmakers adopted a motion sponsored by Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, who warned that worsening environmental damage was threatening lives, property and livelihoods across more than 32 communities in the constituency. The motion seeks coordinated intervention to control erosion, repair damaged roads and restore transport links disrupted by the crisis.
Ugochinyere told the House that expanding gullies and washed-out roads had reportedly caused deaths, displaced residents and restricted access to essential services. Affected communities face difficulties reaching healthcare facilities, schools, markets and other destinations needed for everyday activities.
Among the infrastructure identified as being at risk is the Umueshi-Amanator-Isiekenesi-Dikenafai-Okwelle bypass, which has suffered severe damage. The Umuobom Bridge was also identified as being threatened by the advancing erosion.
Communities named in connection with the crisis include Urualla, Ozuomee-Urualla, Obodoukwu, Osina, Akokwa, Arondizuogu, Umuobom, Umueshi, Amanator and Isiekenesi, alongside other settlements in the constituency.
The House called on the Ecological Fund Office, the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Federal Ministry of Works to work with the Imo State Government and the Ideato North and Ideato South local government councils to begin emergency erosion-control and drainage projects at affected locations.
Lawmakers also urged the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency to undertake urgent repairs on damaged roads and bridges. The motion further called on the South East Development Commission to include the affected erosion sites among its priority intervention projects.
The proposed interventions are intended to address both the environmental damage and the disruption to transport infrastructure. Effective drainage and erosion-control measures could help reduce further damage, while road and bridge repairs would support access between communities and essential services.
The scale of the reported damage presents a challenge for residents whose livelihoods depend on functioning roads and access to markets, healthcare and education. Continued deterioration of transport links could deepen the isolation of communities already affected by flooding and erosion.
The House’s resolution calls for cooperation among federal, state and local authorities. However, the adoption of the motion does not itself confirm that funding has been released or that construction work has begun.
The next stage will depend on the relevant agencies assessing the affected sites, determining the necessary interventions and taking action to address the reported risks.
Deborah Adeyefa
