The House of Representatives has instructed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to probe the potential hazards of the recent earth tremors experienced in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This decision came during a plenary session on Wednesday, following a motion raised by the House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Anchoring the debate, Chinda expressed concern over media reports and complaints from residents in areas like Mpape, where tremors and vibrations have been occurring in recent months.
He noted that despite ongoing investigations, no definitive explanation has been provided for these incidents.
The minority leader also warned of the possibility that these tremors could be precursors to more serious seismic events, potentially endangering the FCT’s infrastructure. Though the FCT is not typically considered a seismic zone, past climate-related tremors suggest the need for proactive measures.
Furthermore, Chinda stressed the potential threat to critical infrastructure, including office buildings, roads, and essential public services.
He cautioned that any escalation in tremors could result in significant structural damage, loss of life, displacement of residents, and economic disruption.
In response, the House mandated its Committees on the FCT, Environment, and Emergency Disaster Preparedness to investigate the tremors’ causes and propose legislative solutions to reduce the risks.
