Follow Us on Google
From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
To control erosion and curtail the perennial flooding in Benue state, the federal government have commissioned the 1.2 Kilometers Idyer River Basin Erosion Control Hydraulic Drainage Project constructed in Benue state by National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC).
Speaking during the formal commissioning and Handover of the project hosted by Benue state government in collaboration with National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), in Makurdi on Thursday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF Senator George Akume said federal government will in no distant time construct dams across the country to mitigate the devastating effects of flooding.
The project was handled by
National Hydroelectric Power
Producing Areas Development Commission. (N-HYPPADEC).
While acknowledging N HYPPADEC’s dedication to reversing environmental degradation and promoting sustainable community development in Nigeria’s power-producing areas, SGF said that the project represents an important step towards taming the challenge of flood in Makurdi metropolis.
Senator Akume, who was represented by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev said that the objective of the agency was in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of an industrialized and developed country where the nation’s hydropower dams can generate adequate electricity without compromising the living standards of the local populations inhabiting the power-producing areas.
According to him, the task of reversing environmental damages caused by floods and erosion over the years requires meticulous and long-term planning that should be executed in stages.
“This flood control project, which we are here to commission today, is only one of the early steps taken by the Commission towards reversing ecological degradation and promoting sustainable developments in riverine communities across the country,” the SGF said.
Earlier, the state Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia regretted that the geographical location and climate condition of the state makes Benue susceptible to seasonal flooding and erosion.
Alia who was represented by his deputy, Sam Ode said, “These environmental challenges threaten not only our agricultural productivity but also safety and livelihoods of our people.
“In this context, the Idye flood control/dyke project is not just a necessity but a beacon of hope for our for our people along the Idyer through,” he said expressing the hope that the effects of the flood witnessed by the people over the years would be minimized.
Also, the Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC Abubakar Yelwa who decried the devastating effects of flooding said that 18,349 houses and farmlands were destroyed while a total of 134,797 people were displaced in 2022.
He said, “For years, the residents of Makurdi and other parts of Benue State have endured annual flooding that has consumed thousands of homes and farmlands, displacing numerous families.
“The 2022 Benue floods were even more tragic. In 2022, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency reported that the floods consumed about 18,349 houses and farmlands, displacing a total of 134,797 people.
“This staggering impact shows the urgent need to take decisive action to safeguard the communities and the livelihoods of people in the State.
“Successive governments at both federal and state levels have made frantic efforts to manage this crisis and mitigate its impact on the people and the environment.
The MD said that Federal Government had spent approximately N1.2 billion on the project, including additional excavation of 2.5kms aimed to salvage the lower basin of the community.
