The Imo House of Assembly, on Tuesday, called for urgent government intervention to rescue Primary Schools 1 and 2 in Umuna, Orlu Local Government Area, from submersion by flood.
The call is contained in the motion moved by the member representing Orlu State Constituency, Dr Ikenna Ihezuo, following the recent flooding in the schools.
While moving the motion, Ihezuo said that the rainy season had set in again with all its attendant hazards and destructive floods.
He described the affected schools as highly vulnerable and susceptible to flooding that usually left both the pupils and teachers stranded and helpless.
The lawmaker further expressed concern that teaching and learning in the schools would soon become difficult, if urgent measures were not carried out to stop the menace from escalating.
He said that it was surprising that the current incident had not been brought to the attention of Gov. Hope Uzodimma who, he said, had carried out several rehabilitation on roads and other public amenities across the state.
He, therefore, prayed the house to urge the governor to direct the Ministries of Works and Education or other relevant agencies of government “to rescue the flood-ridden” schools.
Supporting the motion, the Chief Whip, Mr Chigozie Nwaneri, agreed that there was a need for urgent action before the schools’ buildings would become compromised due to the flooding.
Nwaneri feared that the buildings could collapse at any time, if nothing was done urgently to arrest the situation.
Also, the Majority Leader, Mr Kanayo Onyemaechi, said that although the structures were still strong, serious threats could be avoided through immediate action.
He also called for remedial measures to commence before miscreants would take advantage of the situation to vandalise the buildings.
Following other contributions in favour of the motion, the Speaker, Mr Chike Olemgbe, ruled in favour of the prayers sought.
Olemgbe directed the Clerk, Mrs Chinelo Emeghara, to convey the assembly’s resolution to the Office of the Governor and the relevant ministries. (NAN)
