Relief is on the way for the people of Owanta in Ika North East of Delta State following the signing of agreement between the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project, NEWMAP and a foreign firm who would undertake the commencement of gully erosion control measures in the area.
At the ceremony in Asaba, Secretary to Delta State Government, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, announced that the scheme was a two point four billion naira project, noting the state Government had fulfilled her counterpart funding of five hundred million naira to address the challenges of erosion and land degradation in the state.
The SSG, Mr. Ebie said the Midoma Iwerebor erosion site in Owanta, Boji Boji Owa, in Ika North East Local Government area was one of five sites earmarked for intervention by the state government in collaboration with the World Bank, stating the project had a time frame of 18months for completion.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner for Environment Mr. Chris Onogba who noted officials of the ministry had visited to witness the devastation caused by erosion in the area, charged relevant stakeholders to hasten efforts to ensure work on the site commenced in earnest.
The Coordinator of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, Mr. Isaac Ufiofio, observed studies have been carried out on the site to curtail the problem of land degradation, while giving the assurance that measures are place to cater for those who would be displaced in the course of the project.
Also a representative of the company handling the project, Mr. Emmanuel Adidi, in a remark, promised that the project will be executed according to best global standard.
The Delta State Government had keyed into the World Bank Assisted NEWMAP initiative in 2016, in a bid to find a solution to the challenges of erosion in parts of the state, with the ground breaking ceremony for the Owanta erosion site set for the 1st week of February.
Oghenero Eghweree
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