From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Federal Government said it is poised to construct dams across the nation to mitigate the destructive effect of flood and erosion.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF Sen. George Akume stated this at the commissioning and handing over of the 1.2km Idye River Basin Erosion Control/Hydraulic Drainage Project executed by the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission, N-HYPPADEC on Thursday in Makurdi.
Represented by the Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation Prof. Joseph Utsev, the SGF decried the menace of erosion and flooding which has displaced so many communities in the country and also, led to loss of lives.
He said the FG is taking steps to address land degradation, maintaining that the Idye basin project will go a.long way in protecting the environment and the livelihood of the residents.
“We are committed to constructing dams across the nation to mitigate the menacing effect of flood that has ravaged many communities and Benue State will not be left out”, the SGF assured.
Managing Director HYPPADEC Abubakar Sadique lamented that flooding has consumed thousands of home and farmland.
According to the MD, over 18349 homes and farmland have been washed away while 134797 people displaced.
Sadique said the FG spent over 700 million for the first phase of the project even as he urged the community to remain vigilante and maintain the project for the benefit of the people.
“This is very important to ensure longevity of the project*, he noted.
Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia represented by his Deputy said the construction of the project is a testament to Federal government’s proactive steps to address erosion and flood challenges in Benue State.
He noted that flooding has adversely affected safety and livelihood of the people, stressing that the flood control project will serve as a beacon of hope for the communities along the Idye trough.
“ This project underscores government proactive effort to addressing environmental issues. Flooding has caused destruction and loss of lives. Regular maintenance of project is very crucial.
“We promised that the State will provide the technical expertise to sustain the project. Benue has contributed immensely to N-HYPPADEC and we need more representation to sustain our partnership”, the Governor said.
