Kwara Assembly summons commissioner, officials of environmental protection over imminent flood

Kwara State House of Assembly on Tuesday summoned the state commissioner for environment and forestry, and officials of Kwara Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) to brief it on its preparedness for the imminent flood in the state.
The House gave the order in its resolution after adopting a motion without notice on prevention of flood in Kwara moved by Ahmed lbn-Mohammed, member representing Kemaji-Wajibe Constituency.
Mathew Okedare, the deputy speaker of the House, who presided over plenary while reading the resolution of the House, said the officials summoned to brief the House on what they had in place to forestall flooding.
The lawmakers, as part of their resolution to curb flooding in the state, urged the state government to intensify efforts in educating and enlightening farmers and other citizens about the inherent dangers of flooding.
The House similarly advised the government to direct residents living along riverbanks to vacate without further delay to avert danger. Just as they implored the government to liaise with the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency resettle all the communities that were along riverbanks and waterways in the state.
Also, the legislators urged the state and relevant agencies to ensure regular and routine monitoring with a view to prevent dumping of refuse on waterways in all parts of the state.
The House therefore called on the state ministry of environment and forestry to declare a week as operation ‘clear your drainage’ to guide against unforeseen circumstance.
However, during Tuesday plenary, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed forwarded to the House a bill on the state Vocational Technical Entrepreneurship Development College, Ajase-Ipo, 2017, for passage.
According to the governor’s message read by the deputy speaker, the bill seeks to enact a law for the college.
The statement added that the law when enacted would serve as a guide and direction to the college and provide opportunities for interested people to acquire skills throughout life, develop a high quality skilled workforce and entrepreneur relevant to current employment market needs, among other things.
The governor equally implored the House to consider the bill for passage into law in the interest of the people.

 

SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin