Dr Patrick Asadu, Chairman House Committee on Inland Waterways Education & Administration. Member Representing Nsukka / Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu Chairman House Committee on Maritime Safety, Member Representing Onitsha North/ South Federal Constituency.
Our attention has been drawn to media reports on a tragic boat mishap that occurred over the weekend, along the waterways in Anambra – Enugu States, reportedly leading to the death of almost 80 persons. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected and extend same to the governments and good people of Anambra and Enugu States respectively.
The reports quote the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA as ascribing the cause of the incident to the prevailing heavy flooding nationwide, causing the river banks to overflow and vessels to capsize.
The incident brings to the fore certain contemporary issues into the public space; safety of navigation in our waterways, flag state and regulation of small vessels, need to pay attention to development of our inland waterways especially shore line protection and the worsening climate change, worldwide.
For us as representatives of the people, and working for the relevant committees of the House of Representatives, we will immediately reactivate the use of the constitutional instrumentality of parliament to addressing all or at least some of these issues holistically and indeed specifically through oversight, legislation and requisite appropriation.
In this light, we will bring up the issue and the matters arising to the notice of parliament-in-plenary.
