The determination and will of the Nasarawa State Government to contain, halt and rehabilitate the areas in and around Toto town devasted by the gully erosion for almost a century, has finally come to reality.
A press statement signed by Yahaya Idris Toto, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Media & Publicity to Chairman, Toto Local Government Council, said Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Tashas, has expressed gratitude to the Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, for fulfilling his promise to halt the menacing erosion and to rehabilitate the affected areas.
The Council Chairman who also commended the Governor for the high spirited concern for the people of Toto who have fallen victims of the natural disaster like erosion, losing hundreds of houses and rendered thousands of people homeless, urged the people of the area to embark on fervent prayers for a good job and quick completion and in accordance to specification.
The statement stated further that while receiving the high powered delegation to Toto, comprising the World Bank officials and that of the Nasarawa State Government, the Council Chairman, represented by his Vice, Hon. Abubakar Haruna Kwanakis, expressed appreciations by the people of Toto and the entire local government area for the commencement of the project that would halt further destruction of houses and displacement of the people.
He recalled that the erosion has stunted several local ancient industries like textiles,smithing, melting and dyeing, occupations that has attracted booming businesses to the town.
The Chairman explained that the visit by the delegation to the erosion site is for re assessment of affected areas in view of the failure of the first construction company to start work at the agreed time frame.
” The delegation is in Toto today, because the earlier construction company given the work failed as the time frame elapsed, compelling the World Bank to re- award the contract to a new one, hence today’s visit for assessment”, Hon Kwannaki said.
The Chairman emphasized that the erosion menace especially within Toto Town has been a thorn in the flesh of the local government, and therefore thanked His Excellency Engr A A Sule for the gesture.
He also called on the people of the local government area, especially the affected area to be calm and cooperate with the government and the constructors as succour will soon come their way