The Delta State Government, today directed that all interventions by the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) in the State be documented to serve as homegrown models for subsequent interventions.
The directive was given by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Chairman, Technical Committee of Delta State NEWMAP, Dr. (Mrs.) Minnie Oseji when she inspected the gully-control projects in Obompka and Ukwu-Nzu communities in Aniocha-North Local Government Area of the State.
‘’We feel very heartened that something like this (NEWMAP Project) has come to Delta State. For us as a Ministry, we intend to make sure that all that has been done according to the specification of the donors (World Bank) is documented.
‘’We will also continue our advocacy to our political masters so that they can see the benefits of these projects to the communities such that even after the project ends on June 30, 2021, we will be able to have our own homegrown replicas in the various places where erosion is ravaging our communities.
‘’We have about 12 project sites and five were chosen. Out of the chosen five, three have been done. So, the question is what happens to the other two and what happens to the seven that were not selected?
‘’Therefore, we must do studies to find out the economic impact, prioritize and then, with each successive administration, continue to do the required advocacy for similar interventions and also seek other funders.
‘’By the time we demonstrate how these projects have impacted on the lives of people, we are sure that some funders will consider supporting Delta State to replicate this project in other erosion sites’’ she said.
Impressed with the pace and quality of job done, Dr Oseji promised that action will be expatiated in addressing outstanding compensations, even as she thanked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the World Bank for the intervention.
Speaking with newsmen, Delta State NEWMAP Project Coordinator, Mr. Isaac Ufiofio buttressed the position of the Permanent Secretary, even as he expressed confidence that the project will be completed as scheduled.
Also, Delta NEWMAP Project Engineer, Engr (Mrs.) Felicia Avwenaghagha recalled that prior to the intervention, communities were severed by the erosion but has since been reconnected upon the World Bank/State Government intervention.