By Felix Ofou
The National Project Coordinator, Nigeria Climate Adaptation-Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), Engr. Anda Yalaks has confirmed the approval and release of the sum of N 1billion by the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration as counterpart fund for the European Investment Bank (EID) intervention in the state.
Engr. Yalaks who confirmed the release of the fund commended the State Government when he led the Federal Project Management Unit delegation on a courtesy visit to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government of Delta state, Dr. Kingsley Emu in Asaba, Delta State.
He noted that the payment of the counterpart funding was a demonstration of the highest level of political will to tackle environmental challenges in the state, while explaining that the payment of N1 billion has secured the state as one of the 23 beneficiary States for European Investment Bank intervention.
“It is an example of what we are expecting from our authorizing environments,” he said. He also confirmed that after conducting an assessment of the prioritized sites which are currently active, aggressive, threat to infrastructural development, and a threat to lives, Delta is considered as candidate site in line with the conditions precedence of the European Investment Bank intervention. They are sites to invest in and have met the conditions precedence, Delta State has met all by 100%”, he stressed.
Welcoming the FPMU delegation, the SSG, Dr. Kingsley Emu highlighted some notable achievements under the NEWMAP phase 1, such as the Owanta erosion and storm water management project in Ika North East and Obomkpa and Ukwu-Nzu erosion sites in Aniocha North Local Government Area, which he said, followed due process of project specifications.
Dr. Emu appealed to NEWMAP-EIB for a replica of this success in other ongoing projects in the state. He assured the NEWMAP-EIB FPMU delegation of the Delta State government’s unwavering support in ensuring a safe environment and resilience to the impact of climate change.
Earlier, in his remarks, the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Jamani Tommy Ejiro revealed that the promise of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the people of Okpanam community during his election campaigns, have begun to yield positive results in the community following the approval of the Amachai/Ogbozoma and Vanguard Area Erosion Sites for intervention.
Hon. Jamani reiterated the state government’s resolve to extend the NEWMAP-EIB project to other communities ravaged by erosion. “This move aims to secure and sustain the environment in Delta state,” he said.
Present at the meeting were the Commissioner for transport, Mr Onoriode Agofure, newly appointed Head of Service, Dr. Minnie Oseji, State Project Coordinator, Mr. Benedict Nwaokocha, NEWMAP- EIB Specialist Staff, amongst other top government officials.
