Kogi Gov’t, NEWMAP sign Multi-billion naira Erosion control Project
Kogi Government and Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) has signed –off on the implementation of the stabilization, reclamation and channeling of Adumu and Agassa erosion sites in Olamaboro and Okene local government areas. Governor Yahaya Bello, said this activity was to ensure a lasting solution to concerns of environmental degradation in the affected areas.
The projects under the supervision of NEWMAP was awarded to two firms namely NIGERPET Structures Limited and NAEL and BIN HARMAL NBHH / HARTLAND.
Governor Bello noted that his government cares for the people of the state and as such, he intends to “ensure that the environment where they live is safe and conducive for them to thrive.” He emphasized that Kogi State, under his watch, has a culture of proper care for the environment based on the fact that such action determines how the environment reacts to human activities.
While he applauded the federal government for ensuring that environmental challenges are taken with utmost seriousness, Governor Bello commended NEWMAP for this multi-billion Naira intervention and the World Bank, for providing the required financial support towards ensuring that issues of environmental degradation in the state and other parts of the country are reduced to the barest minimum.
The governor urged the contractors to mobilize to the site on time and deliver within the 15-month time frame provided for in the details of the contracts.
The Kogi State NEWMAP Project Coordinator, Barrister Ladi Ahmed Jato, said this feat would not have been possible but for the governor’s support. She said the Governor continues to show great concerns towards solving environment issues in the state, that despite the dwindling allocation of the state, he released N900, 000 million counterpart fund to facilitate and fast track the Engineering Designs.
She noted that the Civil works for Agassa Erosion site was one billion, three hundred and thirty-six million, seven hundred and ninety eight thousand, one hundred and thirty four naira, four kobo (N1, 336, 798,134.04) while the one for Adumu Erosion site was awarded for two billion, six hundred and thirteen million, seven hundred and twenty six thousand, two hundred and eighty four naira, forty kobo (N2, 613, 726,284.40).
Adebayo Thomas
NEWMAP NIGERIA
