Delta spends N530m for NEWMAP erosion control

To accelerate intervention at erosion sites identified by the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), Delta State Government has released its counterpart fund of N530 million.

World Bank is collaborating with the Delta State Government; under the auspices of the Federal Government to solve the problem of erosion and flood in the five selected and approved sited in the state. The project is designed to reduce the vulnerability to soil erosion in targeted sub-catchment areas with the aim of focusing on gully erosion and flood sites that threaten infrastructure and livelihood.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who spoke at the launching of the, said the erosion site was chosen out of the 122 active erosion and flood sites spread across the state.

He expressed hope that with the World Bank intervention through NEWMAP, various communities in the state would be saved from flooding, erosion and poverty occasioned by theses disasters.

The affected communities include Boji Boji Owa in Ika North East, Obomkpa and Ukwu-Nzu in Aniocha North, Ubulu-Uku in Aniocha South and Jesse in Ethipoe West Local Councils.

He said: “”We are also working with World Bank to in various programmes such SEEFOR, Fadama III and in the health sector to positively impact and to create wealth for our people.”

Okowa expressed confidence in the ability of the World Bank, NEWMAP, State Ministry of Environment and the technical teams to deliver quality work in the identified area.

He charged the communities to support the projects by ensuring peace and ensuring that the work was delivered in good time.

Reiterating the government determination in tackling erosion menace, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. John Nani said that government was resolute in tackling erosion and flood.

According to Nani, the menace of gully erosion and flooding which has threatened infrastructure and socio-economic activities in our communities have led to the establishment of NEWMAP in the state.

He pointed out that the topography and the soil type which varies across the state enhance the development of gullies particularly in Delta North while that of the Delta Central and South was due to location on low plan.

The commissioner said the administration has made efforts in tackling environmental challenges associated with gully erosion and flood control through the creation and mechanical desiltation of natural waterways and canals in Isheagu, Koko, Oghara, Aghalokpe, Agbor, Sapele, Anwai-Asaba among others.

Speaking at the event, NEWMAP Task Team Leader, Dr. Amos Abu assured that the institutional arrangement for the project was robust, noting that for the project to succeed, there should be no political interference.