FG COMMISSIONS PROJECTS IN BENUE COMMUNITY AMIST COMMENDATIONS
The Federal Government has commissioned EFO projects in Idye Basin flood control Makurdi and Erosion /flood control works Odugbo Apa LGAs of Benue State amidst commendations from the host communities.
Commissioning the projects, the Hon. Minister of Special Duties and Inter Government Affairs, Sen. George Akume disclosed that the projects were parts of 2017 fourth quarter and 2018 third quarter Ecological Intervention Programme approved and awarded by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said the 3.35km Idye Basin drainage project was one of the 17 ecological intervention projects in the country, noting that Makurdi was one of the erosion and flood prone areas. Akume noted that the projects showed the commitment of the present administration’s effort to address flooding and erosion challenges in the country .He said that the project was expected to address the devastating effects of erosion and flood in the communities.
He commended the benefitting communities for the peaceful and conducive environment that led to the successful completion of the projects. Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office, Dr. Habiba Lawal who was represented by Deputy Director, Soil Erosion and Flood, Control Mr. Matthias Eluma said that the Federal Government took up the two projects to ensure safety of lives and property as well as improve a sustainable environment for socio-economic activities. She commended the contractors and the Consultants of the projects for working tirelessly thus ensuring timely completion of the projects in line with the project implementation schedule.
The Permanent Secretary while encouraging the benefitting communities to exercise ownership over the projects for maintenance and sustainability, implored them to keep the drainages neat and free from refuse so as not jeopardize the aim of the projects, moreover, that resources which the federal government has committed to the project must not be allowed to waste.
The Governor of Benue State, Gov. Samuel Ortom represented by the Hon. Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, Engr. Dondo Joshua on behalf of the people of Benue State commended the Federal Government for the execution of numerous Ecological Intervention Projects across the state.
He appealed to the host communities to avoid dumping refuse in the drainages to avoid flood in the near future. He disclosed that the state government was making effort to evacuate refuse across the state.
Joshua expressed gratitude to Ecological Fund Office, Contractor and Consultant for the timely completion of the project. He appealed for the speedy completion of phases 2&3 of the project at Idye Basin in Makurdi to achieve its purpose.
While at Odogbo project site, The First Class Chief of Apa/Aguta,Chief Baba Odangla, In his remarks, paid glowing tributes to efforts of the Federal Government to prevent gully erosion and persistent flooding in the community through the timely completion of the project. He passionately acknowledged the gesture of the Federal Government to save the lives and properties of his people, besides improving their living standards and economic growth.
Also, the Clan Head of Odogbo, Chief Audu Umoro revealed that the bridge dated back to1940 when Odugbo community decided to link themselves to Otukpo-Oweto road. He however expressed sadness over the state of the bridge as the 10km distance between Odugbo and Ikobi to Okokolo road could not be utilised as a result of the collapsed bridge, he revealed that effort made by the past administration to renew it proved abortive. He disclosed that the bridge link to three other Local Government Areas, Otukpo, Apa and Agatu, He appealed to the Federal Government to look into Ikobi bridge which was yet to be completed to enable them connect with others.
Umoru, thanked President Mohammed Buhari for recongnising the community, and observed that the newly constructed bridge fall below the normal height, stating that the purpose of the bridge would be defeated if not corrected.
The ceremony was witnessed by dignitaries and a large crowd of members of the community to witness the event.
R-L:The Hon. Minister of Special Duties and Inter Government Affairs, Sen. George Akume during the Presentation of certificate to the Benue state, Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, Engr. Dondo Joshua in Makurdi.