Senate urges release of ecological funds for erosion control in Cross River

Summary

The Senate has asked the federal government to release Ecological Fund money to help address erosion and landslides in Cross River State.

Highlights

• Lawmakers adopted a motion sponsored by Cross River South senator Asuquo Ekpenyong on the state’s worsening ecological crisis.
• Ekpenyong said erosion and landslides are threatening several communities in Calabar, including Atakpa, Edim Otop, Ikot Effangha Mkpa and Nyaghasang.
• He cited a July landslide in Ikot Anwatim that killed five people, including four siblings, and another incident in Edim Otop that killed an eight-year-old girl.
• The Senate also directed NEMA to help with evacuation, temporary relocation and early-warning measures in high-risk areas.