Obiano Signs N9Bn Contract For Erosion Control For Six Sites

KINGSLEY EZEKWELU

The Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has signed contracts with two companies on behalf of the state government for full erosion control works at six sites in parts of State.

The brief contract signing ceremony took place at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia.

The erosion control projects are estimated to gulp about N9 billion Naira.
Two Chinese firms, CGC-CHWE and CGC-YSE will handle two erosion sites at Enugwu-Ukwu and Abidi-Umuoji at N2 billion naira and those of Nnewi-Ichi and Ojoto respectively at a total of N5billion naira.

Also under the contract, an indigenous construction company, Monier Construction Company Ltd will handle the erosion sites at Nkpor Flyover and Ire-Obosi at the cost of N2 billion naira.

Each of the projects has completion period of 24 months, and would be executed under a partnership involving the World Bank, the Federal Government and the State Government.

Gov Obiano in a remark before signing the contract, said with about 972 active erosion sites, Anambra State is now the smallest state in Nigeria in terms of landmass, adding that his government had fully paid its counterpart funding for the contracts to ensure that nothing hinders the project.

He noted that the State government has commenced activities to check practices that give impetus to erosion menace such as improper termination of drainage, encouraging communities to plant trees, discouraging indiscriminate bush burning and dumping of refuse among others.

Earlier in his address, The Commissioner for Environment and Beautification, Arch. Mike Okonkwo said NEWMAP has done Resettlement Action Map where all residents affected by the erosion have been paid full compensation to relocate, to the tune of N270 million, adding that with this measure, the execution of the projects will be easier.

The Deputy Managing Director of the Chinese Firm, Mr Fan Xiao Jing said that they will deploy their expertise and that of allied companies to deliver a good job.

Also, The Chairman/CEO, MCC Nigeria Limited, Senator John Azuta-Mbata commended the excellent due process and transparency observed in the State’s bidding process and promised that having been selected, they will deliver according to budget and specifications.

The State NEWMAP Coordinator, Mr Mike Ivenso commended Gov Obiano for his constant interface with the World Bank that unlocked the intervention and promised that they will follow through with supervision to ensure the projects were delivered on schedule.

Other top government officials who graced the event included, the Chief of Staff to the governor, Chief Primus Odili, The Commissioner for Works and Roads, Engr Marcel, Managing Director of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA)Chief CY Agbupusi and Chief Mac Tasie.