By Balimwor Ekpe
The Cross River State Assembly has called for urgent intervention in the gully erosion sites at Summit Hills Calalabar and other areas affected by erosion in the State.
Hon Martins Achadu, member representing Yala 2 State Constituency and Chairman Committee on Environmental Matters, moved the motion of Urgent Public Importance calling on the government of Cross River State to intervene in the gully erosion sites at summit hills. He added that when erosion sites are discovered but neglected it turns such an area into a desolate place.
Hon Achadu described how the environmental committee, led by Prof Eyor, conducted an oversight function at Summit Hills, which houses the CICC and other government facilities, and discovered how erosion had ravaged the area. He urged the state government to act quickly to repair the area and prevent further damage that could endanger lives and property.
Hon Okon Owuna, a member representing the Akamkpa1 state constituency supported the motion explaining that the gully erosion poses danger if not fixed. He called on various state agencies involved in environmental matters to check the menace.
Hon. Bassey Bassey, member representing the Akpabuyo state constituency, stated that the issue of erosion is one of justice and that every area that requires such intervention, particularly the Submit Hills, must be addressed. He went on to say that early intervention prevents property collapses, which can endanger lives, and that the Summit Hills lack a proper road network and drainage system.
Hon. Ovat Agbor, Member representing Obubra State Constituency, Hon. Stanley Nsemo, Member representing Calabar, Hon. Ashakia Pius, Member representing Obanliku State Constituency, Hon. Brian Odey, Member representing Yala 1 State Constituency, and Hon. Neji Abang, Member representing Ikom 1 State Constituency, jointly supported the motion and called on the Commissioner for Works and Commissioner for Environment to look into areas devastated by erosion in the state metropolis.
They emphasized the importance of controlling gully erosion, which is linked to poor planning and implementation, and urged the government to form a committee to monitor contractors who are assigned such responsibilities.
The House of Assembly resolved in their prayers that the Cross River State Government should develop a new map to intervene urgently in erosion areas in Summit Hills and other parts of the metropolis. They also urged the government to charge various agencies with completing abandoned road networks and creating drainage systems for easy rain flow.
