Edo State Government has officially handed over the Flood and Gully Alleviation and Protection Works in Emu-Ohordua to the contractors, Levent Construction Limited.

The ceremony, which took place at the project site in Emu, Esan South East Local Government Area, was presided over by the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Mr. Lucky Wasa.

In his remarks, Mr. Wasa explained that the project, which is being executed under the auspices of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), would address the lingering flood and gully challenge in the community.

The Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Environment and Sustainability expressed the commitment of the State Government to tackling the problems of flood and gully erosion across the State.

He charged the contractors to execute the project within the 18 months duration and according to specifications, stressing that the Edo State Government places much premium on timely and quality execution of projects.

Mr. Lucky Wasa enjoined members of Emu community to give the contractors the desired support and cooperation in the successful implementation of the project.

On his part, the State Project Coordinator of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), Dr. Tom Obaseki disclosed that the engineering design, which is world class, was duly approved by the State Government and the World Bank and would provide a lasting solution to the gully problem in the community.

Dr. Obaseki explained that the necessary guidelines for Procurement, Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) had been adhered to.

Responding, a representative of the contracting firm, Engineer Albert Abboud thanked the Edo State Government for the award of contract and promised to execute the job in line with the designs.

Speaking on behalf of the community, the Chairman of the Site Committee, Mr. John Ijiebor thanked Governor Godwin Obaseki for coming to the rescue of the community.

Mr. Ijiebor explained that the gully which had in the past claimed some lives and properties had been a source of concern to the community and also expressed gratitude to the State Government for paying compensation to the owners of properties that would be affected by the construction work.

The Emu-Ohordua Gully Alleviation and Protection Work is one of the new sites where NEWMAP is carrying out intervention works across Edo State. Other areas include Urora, Edo College; Ogiso-Osunde; Gapiona/Upper Adesuwa, GRA; Iguosa; AAU, Ekpoma; Igbe-Auchi and Fugar-Agenebode Road.

It will be recalled that Edo NEWMAP had successfully carried out intervention works in Oshiobugie-Auchi; Queen Ede – Benin City; Ekehuan; Ibore and Ewu.