By joshua FLOOD MITIGATION: NEWMAP TO DISTRIBUTE LIFE JACKETS, BEGINS WORK ON NYAMANYAMA ROAD IN GANAJA, LOKOJA
As part of efforts to reduce the impact of flooding in Kogi State, the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, NEWMAP, has concluded arrangements to distribute hundreds of life jackets to residents of Ganaja, a flood-prone community in the Lokoja metropolis.
The State Project Coordinator of NEWMAP, Dr. Yahaya Abdullahi Abbas, disclosed this on Wednesday during a visit by the leadership of Challenged Parenthood Initiative, CPI, supported by project funders Heinrich Böll Stiftung and Arctic Infrastructure.
The visit was part of the second phase of the Ganaja Charter of Demands advocacy project.
Dr. Abbas said the agency has already procured the life jackets and is awaiting the formal distribution ceremony. According to him, the initiative is aimed at reducing the risks and hazards faced by riverine communities during flood periods.
The Project Coordinator also revealed that NEWMAP has completed all necessary processes for the construction of an alternative Nyamanyama road in Ganaja. He explained that the road, which will link the community to the 500 Housing Units, has received approval from the state government and commitment from the funding bank, and is now awaiting the release of funds to commence work.
“The effect of flooding on the main road in Ganaja village has been a source of worry to me. When flood occurs, the only access road gets submerged, leaving residents and travelers stranded. I have made a case to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and he has given his approval,” Dr. Abbas said.
He noted that engineering designs for the 7-kilometer road have been completed. “We have written to the bank and funding has been graciously approved. As soon as the funds drop, we will commence construction work in earnest,” he assured.
On other items in the Ganaja Charter of Demands such as the construction of an IDP camp for flood victims and provision of boreholes, Dr. Abbas said they fall outside NEWMAP’s direct mandate. However, he pledged to lobby the State Executive Council to include them as budgetary items. He added that relevant ministries including Health, Environment, Water Resources, and the Bureau of Lands will be engaged to prioritize permanent IDP camps and the reintegration of flood victims.
“My office is an intervention agency. Whatever we intend to do must have the approval of the state government. We prioritize areas of greatest need. I am passionate about reducing the suffering of Ganaja residents during flooding,” he said.
He commended CPI and the working group for their partnership and pledged to sustain the collaboration for the benefit of affected communities.
Earlier, the Executive Director of Challenged Parenthood Initiative, Eunice Abimbola Agbogun, said the visit was a follow-up to the first phase of the advocacy where their charter of demands was presented. She applauded NEWMAP for the mutual working relationship and urged for expedited action as the rainy season sets in.
The distribution of life jackets and the proposed Nyamanyama road are expected to provide immediate relief and a long-term alternative route for Ganaja residents who are frequently cut off during flooding.