By George George Idowu
Kogi State Government has signed a contract worth the sum of N29 billion for the commencement of Erosion Control Sites across three Senatorial Districts of the State.
The contract which was signed on Monday by the Governor Usman Ododo charged the contractors to give the work all the required seriousness needed.
According to the governor, the construction of the erosion site is aimed at curbing the menace of gully erosion and its attendant effects in the affected communities.
Ododo urged the contractors to deploy all relevant resources to the execution of the assignment to ensure quality job delivery that will meet global standards.
The construction of the control erosion site is expected to happen in Etahi, Omigbo and Ankpa respectively.
The State Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr. Joseph Stephen, who represented the governor called for all hands to be on deck and to ensure that the project is executed to the specification while urging the communities to own the projects and safeguard it.
He said: “It is on record that the communities of these various erosion sites have suffered greatly from the devastating effects of the gully erosion, which has led to monumental loss of lives and properties. Therefore, we highly hope that the program today and the subsequent commencement of the civil works at these erosion sites will eventually bring a great relief to the people”.
According to the governor, the project is being funded from ACReSAL which is the State loan facility from the World Bank.
On the part of the State Project Coordinator ACReSAL, Barr. Ladi Jatto, expressed delight on behalf of the State Government for the signing of the contract for the gully reclamation, stabilization and channeling of three sites located in the state.
According to her the signing of the contract for the erosion control of the three critical sites will address the hardship caused to the communities, destroyed farmlands, government infrastructure, and access to markets, hospitals, and schools.
Earlier, the Commissioners for Water Resources, Engr. Yayaha Farouk and Commissioner for Agriculture/ Co Chairmen of Kogi ACReSAL State Steering Committee, Hon. Timothy Ojoma, described the efforts of the present administration in combating Erosion and land degradation as unprecedented, lauded the signing as the determination of the governor commitment to fighting the menace of gully erosion in the State.
On the part of the contractors, Mothercat limited and Levant constructions have assured quality project execution in line with global best practices.