Delta Govt/World Bank Approves Construction Of 2800m Owanta Gully Project

The World Bank assisted Nigeria Erosion And Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) has given approval for the construction of the gully erosion project in Owanta in Ika North East Local Government Area, stretching to a distance of about 2800m, 25m deep and 11.5m wide.

The State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. JJohn Nani disclosed this to newsmen in Asaba, during the Bi-Annual Steering Committee meeting of Delta NEWMAP following the clearance of the Engineering Design and Bidding Document of the Midoma/Iwerebor Erosion Site project by the World Bank.

Nani said the project which is designed to reduce the vulnerability to soil erosion in targeted sub-catchment areas with the aim of focusing on gully erosion and flood sites that threaten infrastructure and livelihood in the state, is a collaborative project between the World Bank and Delta State Government.

The Commissioner who is also the Chairman, Steering Committee of the Project, said the approval of the Midoma/Iwerebor Erosion Site project okayed for construction by the collaborators has given way for the advert publication of the project in some major local and National newspapers requesting interest for bidders for the civil works.

Nani, said the approval for the construction of the project has becomes necessary following the completion of the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) study carried out in Owanta community and "No Objection" granted by the World Bank.

He said as soon as the date for the advert publication for the Owanta Civil Works expires, interested bidders would be invited for the bids opening and onward award of contract to would-be contractors.

He said Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa is very passionate to see to the commencement and completion of the erosion and flood project located in Obomkpa, Ukwu-Nzu, Ubulu-Uku, Owanta and Jesse communities.

While appreciating members of the Steering Committee including the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr. Precious Ndidi Anuku and other representatives drawn from line ministries, departments and agencies of government in the state, Hon. Nani called on the erosion prone communities in the state to be supportive of the various state government's policies and programmes aimed at bringing succor to the grassroots.

Earlier, the State Project Coordinator, Mr. Isaac Ufiofio, who made a PowerPoint presentation of update on the Delta State NEWMAP and 2019 WorkPlan/Budget, said the gully of the Owanta Erosion Site is very active and seriously threatening lives and properties in the hearts of the community.

He stated that the gully lies at N60 14' 26.4" and E60 11' 34.9" with average 25m deep, 11.5m wide and stretches to a distance of about 2800m.

Mr. Ufiofio said the results of the environmental studies leading to the civil works of the other four erosion and flood sites located in Jesse, Ubulu-Uku, Ukwu-Nzu and Obomkpa are at advanced stages of clearance by the World Bank.