Kogi State governor, Usman Ododo has signed a contract of N29.929 billion for the commencement of gully reclamation, stabilisation and channellisation at Etahi in Okene, Omigbo in Kabba and Olubojo in Ankpa.
The sites cut across the three senatorial districts of the state.
A breakdown of the contract shows that the contract sum for Etahi Gully Site stands at N10, 664,612,410.46 and that of Omigbo Site stands at N9, 866,807,044.00; while the contract sum for Ankpa gully sites stands at N9, 397,037,897.69 only.
The governor charged the contractors to handle the assignment with the seriousness it deserves, as this is aimed at addressing the menace of gully erosion and its attendant effects in the affected communities.
Ododo, who was represented by Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun Stephen, the commissioner for environment and ecological management, called for all hands to be on deck to ensure that the project is executed to specification for the benefit of the communities of intervention; urging them to own the projects and safeguard it.
He said, “It is on record that the communities of these various erosion sites have suffered greatly from the devastating effects of gully erosion, which has led to monumental loss of lives and properties. Therefore, it is hoped that the program today, and the subsequent commencement of the civil works at these erosion sites will eventually bring great relief to the people”, the governor said.
He also stated that the project is funded by the state in partnership with the World Bank ACReSAL Project.
The governor further urged the contractors to deploy all relevant resources for the execution of the assignment to ensure quality job delivery that will meet global standards.
The governor praised the tireless efforts of the state project coordinator of ACReSAL, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto, and her team for a job well done, culminating into the success of the project signing for the commencement of work.
In her welcome remarks, Jatto expressed delight on behalf of the state government for the signing of the contract for the gully reclamation, stabilization and channeling of three sites located at Olubo-Ojo Site in Ankpa LGA, Etahi Site in Okene, and the Omigbo channellisation site in Kabba LGA.
