HYPPADEC To Embark On Erosion Control In Kogi Community
By Ohikwo Muhammad
In an effort to mitigate the overflow of water along Koton-karfe and the Lokoja Abuja highway, the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission, HYPPADEC has embarked on an erosion control project worth about 220 million naira.
Managing Director, HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa disclosed this at the flag off of the project in Koton-karfe, Kogi State.
The Managing Director said that the project covered about 160 meters line drainage and that 6 minor and major culverts would be constructed along the Osi-igu river in the community.
According to the Managing Director, the project which is to be delivered within 8 weeks would also involve over 500 meters sand and waste removal as well as rechanneling of some portions of the river.
In his remarks, President Koton-karfe/Lokoja area traditional Council and Ohimegye Igu, Koton-karfe, Alhaji Abdulrazak Sani Isa-Koto decried the sad experience of last year’s flooding calling on the authorities to ensure that the federal highway was not allowed to be further submerged by flood.
The Ohimegye Igu pointed out the importance of the project to Koton-karfe noting that safety of project personnel and equipment would be guaranteed.
HYPPADEC Board member representating Kogi State, Alhaji Isa Ozi Salami implored the authorities and people of Kogi local government area to co-operate with the contractor and personnel to deliver on the project.
Earlier, Kogi State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Victor Omofaiye pointed out that government had engaged in afforestation and sensitization of communities along flood prone areas on the need to move to higher grounds.
Some residents of the Koton-karfe, Mallam Yusuf Danladi Mahmud and Muhammed Sani Jibril expressed the hope that the project would curb the perennial displacement and loss of property usually experienced due to erosion in the area.
