Simon Ebegbulem
14 October 2008
THE Umagbae World Association (UWA), a socio-cultural group of Benins in the diaspora, has appealed to Governor Oserheimen Osunbor of Edo State to prevail on the Federal Government to urgently assist the state in finding lasting solution to the flood and erosion problem confronting the state.
The group through a statement signed by its President, Dr. Moses Osaghae and Publicity Secretary, Joan O'sa Oviawe, made available to Vanguard, expressed concern over the destruction of property and deaths recorded in the past few months in the state as a result of flood and erosion problem, pointing out that the fate of the residents of Benin City would continue to hang in the balance unless concerted efforts are made to check the devastating effects of flooding.
It traced the problem to the alleged failure of successive governments in the state to address it, therefore urged the present government in the state led by Governor Osunbor to liaise with the federal government on the matter since it would require billions of naira to be able to check it.
The statement said, "we are strongly appealing to the Federal, State and Local governments to find a lasting solution to the drainage and flooding problems plaguing Edo State, particularly Benin-city, the State Capital. UWA is grieved by the preventable loss of lives and properties that have been widely reported in various news outlets.
And we express our heartfelt condolences to the families that lost children and other loved ones in the flood.
"The lack of action by successive administrations in the State, to find a lasting solution to the issue of flooding in the City is a cause for concern. We therefore call on the Federal Government to wade into this matter; and assist the State government with the necessary resources and Federal apparatus to solve the perennial problem of flooding in the State."
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