OYEBANJI PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR NEWMAP-EIB IN EKITI*
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has pledged the support of his administration for the European Investment Bank assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation- Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) in the State.
Speaking while playing host to a high powered team of the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) of NEWMAP-EIB led by the National Project Coordinator, Engr Anda Ayuba Yalaks in Ado-Ekiti , Governor Oyebanji expressed the readiness of the State Government to fully support the project in order to salvage lives and properties threatened by flood and erosion in parts of the State.
The Governor who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo noted that N1.1billion has been earmarked as counterpart funds for the next phase of the Project, stressing that three of the pillars of his government:Governance; Agric and Rural Development as well as Industrialization and Infrastructure fully align with the Project.
He recalled the successes recorded under the first phase of NEWMAP project in the State under which several waterways were dredged, several kilometers of concrete-lined drainages and the popular Ajalogun Bridge in Ikere-Ekiti, were constructed.
Oyebanji said the State looks forward to another round of success stories under next phase of the NEWMAP EIB Project
In his remarks,the National Project Coordinator of the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) of the NEWMAP-EIB ,Engr Anda Ayuba Yalaks commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for approving an increase of the counterpart funds to be paid by State from N500 million to over N1.1.billion, which he said was a testament to the governor’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizens.
” The governor has demonstrated his love and care by coming to the aid of his people and we will also implement what is expected of us to ensure this project kicks off as soon as possible. We have confirmed the situation and we will fast track the process so that the menace can be put to rest,” he said.
The team later visited Ibete Oni River and Owode phase 2 in Efon Alaaye, two communities that have been cut off from the town as a result of the collapse of a strategic bridge linking the communities .
Also, in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, the team visited Olorunda and Olorunsogo communities, Ori Apata street in Adebayo and Temidire street located in Dallimore.
In the meantime, the NEWMAP project coordinator, Engr Ayuba Yalaks has expressed satisfaction with the assessment tour of communities facing ecological challenges in the State .
Speaking with newsmen after the tour of communities plagued by erosion and ecological problems, the NEWMAP Project Coordinator appealed to the people to remain calm as work would soon begin in the affected areas.
Yalak while lamenting the hardship being faced by the residents over the ecological problems witnessed in some of the areas as a result of erosion, assured them that all efforts towards ensuring a healthy and safe environment would be prioritized.
He said, ” we have spoken with the representatives of the communities; we share in their grief as reports have it that some lives and a great deal of properties have been lost to ecological problems in the affected communities in the past.
Many access roads have been disconnected from some of the communities which have forced the people to take longer routes because the makeshift bridge is not even safe.”
The National Coordinator explained that the Project would adopt a long-lasting solution in the affected areas due to the geographical location of the state, ” which makes it prone to flooding because of the high amount of rainfall.”
He urged the people to imbibe the culture of maintaining infrastructure projects and taking responsibility when completed so as to ensure the sustainability of the projects
On his part, the Ekiti State NEWMAP project coordinator, Dr Akinyemi Akinyugha said the project will address soil erosion and improve storm water control in communities across the state.
He stated that NEWMAP had been able to address soil erosion, gully erosion, failed culverts and collapsed bridges in many parts of the State in the past adding that saftey of lives and property of the citizenry and provision of durable infrastructure are of topmost priority to the Government of Governor Oyebanji.
Akinyugha said, ” the governor is committed to improving drainage infrastructure in our state, improving access to communities in that water will be properly channeled to ensure there is no record of loss of lives and properties during torrential rain.
“Succour is coming the way of the affected places soon and i want to assure our people to exercise patience as this menace will soon be a thing of the past.”
Some residents of the concerned communities, including Ojo Afolasade,
Mrs Akinleye Yinka,
Engr Adetunji Olabode,
Hon. Segun Afolabi, Mrs Asaolu Olayinka, Mrs Orire Adedunke and
Mr Kolawole Owoeye
commended the visit of the NEWMAP team, appealing for a quick completion of the projects, ” because the failed culverts are making life unbearable for us.