The Plateau House of Assembly has urged the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to develop strategies to mitigate erosion in some parts of the state.

The parliament made the proposal during its Tuesday plenary, presided over by the speaker, Gabriel Dewan.

The lawmakers expressed concern over SEMA’s lack of prompt response to the plight of victims.

In a motion of urgent public importance, Nanbol Daniel (Labour Party/Langtang North Central) urged the Plateau government to urgently tackle erosion in Langtang North Central and other parts of the state.

Mr Daniel quoted section 20 of the 1999 Constitution, which states that the state shall protect and improve the environment and safeguard Nigeria’s water, air, land, forest, and wildlife.

The lawmaker said that it was paramount to bring to the attention of the parliament the recent flood in 65 communities across Langtang North Central that occurred on June 28.

Mr Daniel stated that the flood caused significant property damage, disrupted daily life, and posed a danger to residents.

“With this flood, there is a need for immediate and long-term measures to prevent and mitigate the impact of future flooding in the Constituency and other parts of Plateau. Given the increasing frequency and severity of flood information provided by meteorological experts in Nigeria, it is crucial to call on the Plateau government to enhance its preparedness and response capabilities to floods.

“The government should improve emergency response, in order to protect lives and property and ensure health and safety. My constituency urgently needs assistance to recover from the recent flood disaster that affected farms, infrastructure, and small businesses.

“I urge the government of Plateau to prioritise this flood issue and take immediate action to enhance resilience to flooding, protect public and private property, and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents,” he said.

The lawmaker also called on the government to take proactive measures that would help minimise the economic and social impact of future flood events.

He urged members of the house to ensure the Plateau government directed relevant agencies to conduct a comprehensive assessment of flood-prone areas in the state.

According to the lawmaker, the agencies should develop and implement a flood management plan that includes infrastructure upgrading drainage systems, constructing flood barriers, and maintaining natural waterways.

(NAN)