The Commissioner for Environment, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu has lauded the effort of Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), in reducing vulnerability to soil erosion in targeted sub- watersheds.
Asiuwhu gave the commendation when he paid an inspection visit to the three project sites completed by NEWMAP, in the state.
He expressed delight over the extent to which the job had been done in Midoma / Iwerebo- owanta, Obompka , Ukwu nzu gully erosion.
The Commissioner while accessing the job done by the contracting firms, said with the completion of the project at the various site visited which were all done with the world Bank specification, commissioning would take place, after which NEWMAP would hand over the facilities to the state government.
He said with the facilities put up by NEWMAP, it was left for beneficiaries to maintain the facilities.
The Commissioner advised members of the communities to take responsibility of the facilities by cleaning the drains so that it last for them, and in the case of any challenges they should report to the Ministry
Earlier, the Acting Project Cordinator, the state NEWMAP, Mr Benedict Nwokocha said the state did not get on the body earlier than other states and when NEWMAP came on board they had very little they could do.
Nwokocha said that with the space of time they had, the state was able to quickly execute three project sites.
He said with the standard that the state had met which the World Bank desired, there were open window for European Investment Bank to come and handle the remains two site, that is the Jesse and Ubulu uku gully erosion site.
While speaking on measures put in place to ensure that waste were not drop in the facilities, the acting Project Cordinator said, NEWMAP had carried out Environmental Management Plan by providing them with waste bins and also carry out evacuation by community interest groups using waste tricycles which NEWMAP had provided for them.
He added that when the community were in tandem with was been done, sustainability is sure.
Expressing delight, one of the beneficiaries of the facilities in Owanta, Chief Raphael Obianke (JP), said it was a big relief, as the one time deep gully which had caved in houses in the past, have taken a new look.
Speaking, Obianke said in ensuring that the corridor was kept clean so as not to cause blockage by refuse which could led to flood, the Obi of Owa had given a law and put up a fine and directed the Local Government to fish out any defaulter
Also speaking at Ukwu Nzu, the Chairman Ukwu Nzu NEWMAP Community Association, Mr Emmanuel Odogbo commended the NEWMAP and the state government for their contribution which had led to development of the community