The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has moved to tackle the environmental degradation destroying lives and properties in Urue Offong/Oruko as a result of erosion menace plaguing the area.

This motion sponsored by Hon. Precious Selong of Urue Offong/Oruko and Co-sponsored by Rt. Hon Effiong Johnson of Mbo was brought before the House during its Thursday plenary, August 10, 2023.

According to the Sponsor of the motion, the erosion ravages communities in Urue Offong/Oruko cutting across Urue Offong, Umume, Ibotong Eweme, Eyoabiasang villages. The spread also affects the neighboring Ubotuong Enwang in Mbo Local Government Area.

According to the motion “recently, this erosion has aggravated the unfortunate situation, thereby increasing the deplorable condition of these villages and negatively impacting on socio-economic activities in these communities thus causing avoidable losses of lives, properties and businesses.”

The Legislator went further to explain that several buildings in the affected areas have been submerged and many risk imminent collapse. Suing for the protection of lives and properties of the constituents, Selong solicited that the environmental menace should be looked into.

The motion which was moved by the Sponsor, Hon Precious Selong and seconded by the Co-sponsor, Rt. Hon Effiong Johnson prayed that the House should urge the State Ministry of Environment and other related agencies to carry out inspection to these affected villages with view to make necessary recommendations for government intervention; and mandate the House Committee on Environment to ensure compliance.

Presiding over the plenary, the Speaker, Rt. Hon Udeme Otong referred the matter to the House Committee on Environment for further action.

Meanwhile, the motion to relocate the Dumpsite at Uyo village road as sponsored by Hon Uwemedimo Asuquo of Uyo State Constituency was not considered on the floor of the House as the Sponsor was absent.

The House adjourned plenary to Thursday, August 17, 2023 by 10:00 hours.