FG commissions flood, erosion control project in Abia

It was joy and relief to the people of Okwe Obuohia Obi-Ibere in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State as the Federal Government inaugurated and handed over flood and erosion control project it completed with funding from the Ecological Fund Office.

The project is the second flood, erosion control projects inaugurated by the Federal government in Abia State within the last six months.

Speaking while handing over the project, the Minister of State, Ministry of Niger Delta, Professor Claudius Omoleye Daramola said the project was among 26 ecological intervention projects approved by President Muhammadu Buhari and awarded by the Ecological Fund Office Tender Board (EFOTB).

He said the conception and timely completion of this project is in line with the promise of this administration not to neglect any part of this country owing to its geographical location as well as a political consideration.

Representing the President at the event, the minister further stated that the federal government will ensure that all other intervention projects across the country are completed for the benefit of our people in furtherance to this administration’s commitment to equity, justice and fair play.

In his address, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency, Chief Sam Onuigbo, who also attracted the projects, described the inauguration and handing over as historical, adding that it was a success story made possible with the cooperation of all stakeholders.

Onuigbo who was praised by the minister and the ecological fund office for his doggedness in attracting the project, said that the federal government has undertaken to execute two other massive erosion control projects in his constituency, which is plagued by erosion.

As the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on climate Change, the lawmaker said he appreciates the significance of the projects in his constituency, noting erosion menace as a major environmental problem.

While thanking the Federal Government for its intervention in the erosion problems in Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency, the federal lawmaker pointed out that there are still other 40 massive erosion sites that need prompt attention.

According to him, the topography of his Ikwuano/ Umuahia federal constituency was prone to erosion which disrupts farming activities, development projects and even displaces people.

In his speech, the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office, Dr. Habiba Lawal urged the benefiting community to exercise ownership of the project site by ensuring maintenance and sustainability as well as discouraging dumping of refuse in the drains so as not to jeopardize the objective of the projects.