By Mariam Teni
As part of efforts to curb flooding in riverine areas, The Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYYPADEC) on Thursday officially commissioned a N140M flood control project in Koton karfe headquarters of Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The project as approved by the Federal Government was executed in collaboration with the Kogi State Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Works meant to address the devastating effect of erosion flood menance
and improve motorable roads in the community
Speaking at the event, during the commissioning the secretary to the government of the federation, Senator George Akume, represented by his chief of staff, Simon Tyungu said the completion of the project had underscored the Federal Government's concerted effort and sincerity of purpose in tackling problems of its citizens and making life more meaningful for the people.
He noted that HYYPADEC has made significant progress towards realizing the government's goal of mitigating the effects of flooding and other natural disasters across communities in the country
"With the inauguration of this critical infrastructure, and the commitment of the commission to replicate efforts like this in other flood prone communities, we can look forward to a future where the specter of devastating flood no longer looms over our communities"
While Commending the project contractors, the SGF said, in compliance with the project criteria,the project was promptly completed with quality execution
Speaking further, he appreciated the Kogi State Government and the Koton karfe community for their support in making the erosion control project a reality.
In his remark, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, the Managing Director of HYPPADEC disclosed that, the project implementation aligns with the commissions proactive preventive efforts against the nation's natural disaster challenges.
While disclosing that the commission has been tackling ecological problems, especially prevention and control of flood and other related environmental hazards, the Managing Director pointed out that, the project was a comprehensive flood control solution to address the recurrent flood in Koton Karfe.
The urged the benefiting community to assume control and exercise ownership over the project in order to ensure the project maintenance and sustainability.
While appreciating the Federal Government and HYPPADEC for the urgent intervention, the Governor of Kogi State Alhaji Usman Ododo represented by his deputy Joel Oyibo pointed out that the importance of the project to the community cannot be overemphasized.
The governor disclosed that the state government has embarked on several erosion control measures to ameliorate, mitigate and intervene in various environmental challenges in the state.
Ododo urged members of koton karfe community to ensure adequate maintenance of all infrastructures provided by the government and other well meaning organizations.
Earlier in His Speech, the Honorable Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management Engr Joseph Oluwasegun highlighted the numerous projects successfully executed by HYYPADEC.He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the execution of the project stating that, the erosion control project will curb continuous erosion flooding and other ecological challenges faced in the community.
He further appreciated the state government for providing an enabling environment for the execution of the erosion control project
"I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the government of kogi state under the leadership of this Excellency Alhaji Usman Ododo for providing an enabling environment for the execution of this project"
"The provision of this facilities indeed is in line with the state government developmental agenda"
He further appealed to the people of koto karfe community to maintain and protect the erosion control project as they are beneficiaries of a rare privilege.
Responding, the Traditional ruler of koton Karfe Dr. Saidu Salihu, the Ohimege Igu appreciated the Federal Government and HYPPADEC for the intervention that has brought relieved to his people from fear of impeding flood.
The traditional ruler, assured the government that his people would work to ensure preservation of the canal.
He however appealed for the construction of similar canal in the northern end of the community to address the cases of flood in that axis.
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