As part of measures put in place to reduce the effects of flooding on the residents of Kogi State, the Hydroelectric Power Producing Area Development Commission (HYPPADEC) has flagged off a N220million project for erosion control and flood mitigation in the state.
The commission commenced the intervention project yesterday in Kotonkarfe, the headquarters of Kogi local government area of the state.
Kotonkarfe and other adjoining communities were submerged during the 2022 flooding incident that kept about nine local government areas of Kogi State under the water.
According to the managing director of the commission, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, the project comprises clearing of waterways that have been blocked, construction of culverts and other means amongst others.
His words, “We are all aware that water has its own channels and once the channels are blocked by human activities, the water will find its own route and that is why we have the flood affecting our homes and farmlands.”
The contract which is to be handled by ATMPSUDA Integrated Services Limited is expected to be completed and delivered in eight weeks.
While counting their losses, the traditional ruler Isa Koto said the flood destroyed houses and farmlands, adding that the casualty rate was heartbreaking.
Koto said the casualty was high because Kotonkarfe communities were cut off from the state capital where the people would have accessed tertiary healthcare facilities.
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