Reps seek N3.5bn for flood victims in Sokoto, Kebbi

The House of Representatives hascalled on the Federal Government to make available N2 billion and N1.5 billion to Sokoto and Kebbi states respectively in the 2012 budget to cushion the effects of the recent flood disaster.It will be recalled that the collapse of the Goronyo Dam in Sokoto and Kebbi States as a result of flood in September, 2010 led to the loss of many lives and property.This resolution emanated from a report of the House Committee on Water Resources adopted by the House.It urged the Federal Government to constitute an Inter-Ministerial Committee comprising the ministries of water resources, agriculture, environment, works and power, to design and fund reconstruction of infrastructure destroyed by floods.It urged the ministries of water resources and environment to carry out an Enviromemtal Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Audit Report of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authourity (SRRBDA) and its dams.In another development, the House has extended the time the committee on FRSC would investigate the introduction of the new vehicle number plate and drivers licence by the FRSC.It will be recalled that on Nov. 15, the House mandated its committee on FRSC to investigate the rationale behind the introduction of the new vehicle number plates and drivers licence.This resolution was sequel to a motion by Honourable Zangon Daura (PDP-Katsina) which was unanimously adopted without debate.He said that the committee had called for a public hearing on Nov. 28, but had to shift it due to complaints from stakeholders for short notice.The lawmaker also attributed the shift in date to complaint by the FRSC that it did not receive the resolution of the House until November 29.Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha who presided, directed the House Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure that all resolutions of the House were obeyed.
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