The Federal Government has flagged off the Flood and Erosion Control Project work at Ugbodu Ohorduo Road, Issele-Uku, Aniocha North LGA, Delta State while sensitizing the people on the need for peace during the execution of the project. The project is to address the critical ecological challenges in the community.
Speaking during the sensitization and awareness creation ceremony, the Permanent Secretary Ecological Project Office, Dr. Habiba Lawal represented by the Director, Press and Public Relation Dr. Joel Oruche, sued for peace and conducive atmosphere devoid of rancor and acrimony to enable contractors deliver timely, good and quality project for the benefit of the community.
She stated that genuine and legitimate demands on contractors must be channeled through community heads and traditional rulers who if need be, will in turn forward such complaints to EPO rather than resorting to violence that would stop the progress of the work.
Dr. Lawal finally urged the host communities to cooperate and support the contractors. She warned that EPO does not execute projects in any community that is notorious for harassing contractors.
Speaking at the occasion, Minority leader House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Ndudi Elumelu said that Ugbodu community would consider themselves fortunate for being chosen from among the nine communities whose similar ecological issues were presented to the federal government.
He enjoined the other communities to exercise patience and wait for the Federal Government to address their own environmental problem.
Hon. Elumelu confirmed that Ecological Project Office has standard that would assure good quality work having engaged experienced and qualified engineers.
He commended EPO for its integrity in working without compromise. He urged the communities to endeavor to support the projects, due to the fact that the project was a divine opportunity to the people of Ugbodu.
He noted that the project, when completed, would bring a fast development to the communities, attract business men and investors to the area. He admonished the youth to make sure the contractors work with their cooperation, otherwise the work would be suspended.
The consultant highlighted the scope of the project to include: the drainage system of 4mx1m that would be constructed on both sides with an access road that would link Ugbodu communities up to Ohordua community in Edo State.
He pointed out that he had no plan of hiring labourers outside the host communities, that the youth of the communities should make themselves available for unskilled labour/services. He re-emphasized that the construction firm and indeed government does not pay compensation to host communities.
In his vote of thanks, the Vice President Ugbodu development Union Dr. Festus Ashaedu on behalf of the community commended the Federal Government and EPO for the laudable project cited in their community which is the first of its kind the Federal Government presence in the community.
He pledged the support and cooperation of the community to the project consultant and Contractor.
Present at the event were Chairman Delta State Civil Service Commission, Chief Nkem Okwofu, Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta on legal matters, Chief Chris Njokuemeni, His Royal Majesty Raphael Agbanuche Obi of Aniocha Uku, Hon. Kelvin Okwuchime Aniocha North LGA Chairman, Hon. Emeka Nwobi member representing Ahiocha North, other traditional Chiefs, community members and the press.
Nnorom Ugomma Julian
PEO I
FOR DIRECTOR PRESS & PR UNIT
ECOLOGICAL PROJECT OFFICE
