Senators have urged the Federal Government to investigate the Ecological Fund.
The Senate had asked the Ecological Fund Office to visit communities devastated by erosion in Anambra State and put up measures to remedy critical cases.
It called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials and support to the victims.
The Ad hoc Committee on Works was madated to visit the affected communities and assess the damage to give the problem the attention it deserves.
The resolutions were sequel to a motion by Uche Ekwunife, representing Anambra Central, titled: “Flood and Erosion Disaster in Awka, Isuanaocho, Obosi and other communities of Anambra Central”.
Ekwunife lamented that flood and erosion had damaged places, such as Awka, Abatete, Isuanaocho, Obosi and other communities in Anambra Central.
She noted that the flood left many families bereaved and homeless.
According to her, “the rain of Tuesday, July 28, was more devastating, as over 30 residential buildings were destroyed while many school buildings were brought down; farmlands were washed away and roads were cut off”.
She said the victims were yet to receive assistance from the Federal Government while displaced persons had sought safety in neighbouring communities.
Her words: “About 10 communities, including Ogidi, Abate and others, have been ravaged by erosion, landslide and flood within the last three weeks. The families are yet to get support from the Federal Government”.
Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who seconded the motion, observed that there was a general ecological challenge confronting the country.
He warned that if the situation was not addressed, the northern part of the country would be overtaken by desertification and the southern part swept away by erosion.
“The erosion in Anambra State has washed away churches, schools and farmlands among others. We should take this issue seriously.
“Let us investigate how Ecological Fund was spent over the years to ensure that the target is met”.
Lanre Tejuoso (Ogun Central) noted that the Ecological Fund was set up to tackle ecological problems but the goal had not been met.
He called for a thorough investigation of its application over the years.
Mao Ohuabunwa said most of the environmental problems were caused by erosion.
He said: “Farmlands, schools and churches have been washed away. We must look at this challenge and address it. NEMA should wake up and be proactive; they must do their job. Let us look at the ecological fund office to enable them apply funds allocated to them for specific purposes”.
Senate President Bukola Saraki said erosion problems are common across the country.
“I hope this Senate tackles it. There are funds meant for ecological challenge but unfortunately, it has been mismanaged. I commend the mover of this motion. As a Senate, we must address areas affected urgently and create ways to address future occurrences,” Saraki said.