FG Takes Steps To Tackle Erosion

To tackle perennial flooding and address erosion across the nation, the Federal Government has commissioned the Idye flood control, Dyke project at Nyiman, in Makurdi the Benue State capital.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Terhemen Oraduen in Abuja.

According to the statement the Federal Government through tbe National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission N-HYPPADEC has constructed and completed a dyke spanning a distance of one point two kilometres from BIPC quarters to Naka road in Makurdi.

The statement says at the ceremony, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume represented by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev explains that the project was part of efforts by the Federal Government to address flooding and promote environmental conservation in Benue and other parts of Nigeria which was why the Federal Government through N-HYPPADEC carried out a number of flood control projects in Makurdi and Koton Karfe in Kogi State that were being commissioned.

According to him, the project is a shining example of what can be achieved when government at all levels, agencies, the private sector and local communities come together with a shared purpose.

The statement expresses hope that the project will not only protect the environment and infrastructure but also safeguard the lives and livelihoods of countless individuals who call the area a home.

It acknowledges the support of the Benue State government and its people for ensuring the successful execution of the project and called on the host communities to ensure that the infrastructure remain resilient and effective to tackle future challenges.

The statement appeals to Benue people to continue to pray and support the policies and programmes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to derive more benefits.

According to the statement on his part, the Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia represented by his Deputy, Sam Odeh said the project was not just a necessity but a beacon of hope given to the fact that flood has continued to ravage the area and thanked the Federal Government for its support and steps being taken to address flooding in Benue and other parts of the country.

There were goodwill messages from the Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC and immediate past Chairman of the Commission Terfa Ityav while the event was attended by the Ochi’doma Agabaidu John Elaigwu Odogbo and a representative of the Tor Tiv.

The Minister of water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev was earlier received at the Agan toll gate by the Benue State government delegation led by Secretary to the State Government Prof Joseph Alkali, Managing Director Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, Mohammed Adra and drove to Benue State Government House Makurdi where he was received by the Deputy Governor, Sam Odeh before proceeding to the venue of the event.

Benue State and Makurdi in particular has continued to experience severe flooding every year causing havoc on homes, farmlands and property with economic consequences.

By Georgina Humphrey