The Rigasa Zamfarawa and Gungume Yamma Makabarta, communities in Kontagora LGA of Niger state have benefitted from ecological intervention of the Federal Government. The erosion and flood control projects were commissioned and handed over to the communities recently.
Speaking at the event the Honorable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs,Hon. Zabairu Dada, said that the project was one of the intervention projects approved by Mr. President for the second quarter of 2018 with a completion period of eight months to address the devastating effects of erosion and flood menace in the communities.
“The completion of this project 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 of this great nation, there is no doubt in my mind that that the project would enhance and improve the health status, social-economic activities and the general well-being of the people of these communities” he explained.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of Ecological Fund Office (EFO), Dr.Habiba Lawal represented by the Deputy Director of Soil Erosion and Flood Control Dept, Engr. Udochi Nwachukwu, said that
the project was initiated through a request forwarded to the Office by the Member representing Kontagora,Mashegu,Mariga and Wushishi Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdullahi Idris Garba for urgent intervention in order to arrest to the continuous erosion and flood menace in Kontagora community.
Dr. Lawal attributed the timely completion of the project to the efforts of the project contractor (Messrs Madugu Commercial &Construction co.ltd) , consultant(Messrs Alwat and Associates Nig.Ltd) and a close monitoring by EFO who worked tirelessly to ensure minimum loss of time in the project implementation schedule. She urged the benefiting community to take over and exercise ownership over the project, to ensure its care and sustainably.
In his reaction, the Emir of Kontagora,Alh.Saidu Namaska represented by the Alh.Haruna Bunu, commended the Federal and state Government for the intervention, adding that with the development the community would move and sleep peacefully without hindrances or fear of flood.He promised to take charge and guard the project jealously.
Present at the ceremony were the Niger state Commissioner of Environment, Bar.Zakari Tanko, Kontagora Local Government Chairman, Alh.Shehu Pawa, traditional rulers and members of the benefitting communities.
IKAKE EMMANUEL
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