In continuation of the ongoing Sites’ Assessment Tour of the Steering and Technical Committees of the Kogi State NEWMAP led by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Victor Adewale Omofaiye, and the Kogi State Newmap Amazon Hon, Barr Ladi Ahmed JATTO the team was, yesterday, September 16, 2021 at the OGANE-AJI & ADUM ROAD GULLY SITES in Dekina & Olamaboro LGAs respectively.
While at Ogane-Aji, the team observed that although work was ongoing, it was moving at a slow pace.
Responding on behalf of the Contracting firm, Engr. William Tayar explained that the reason for the seeming slow pace of work is as a result of the rains, which is at its peak at the moment hence, the selective nature of the entire work process. He assured that as soon as the rains subside, work would commence in earnest in all locations of concern, especially at the MAIN GULLY HEAD, which is of particular interest.
The team however urged the Contractor to pick up the pace, as time was of the essence.
The Project Coordinator, Kogi NEWMAP, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto equally maintained that, Although it is important to complete the assignment in good time, it was equally pertinent to maintain the highest level of standard and integrity, as the State Government would not accept any poorly executed job!
From OGANE-AJI, the team proceeded to Adum Road, Ogugu Gully Erosion Site.
Although the team was impressed with the quality of work by the Contractor at ADUM ROAD, members, nevertheless, expressed their displeasure over the maintenance approach of the Contractor; for instance, the team frowned at the non removal of silted sand from drainage areas, as well as the non removal of overgrown weeds, which have succeeded in hiding the beauty of the good works of the Contractor.
The Contractor was immediately given an ultimatum of one (1) week within which to evacuate/ desilt all drains, remove silted sand from drainage areas, as well as clear all overgrown weeds, failing which appropriate sanctions would be issued.
Additionally, the Contractor was encouraged to deploy more men to Site in order to fast-track delivery/completion time, as His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello was running out of patience over the slow pace of work at the Site.
Members of the team, who had never been to the Site were full of praises for His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, as they marveled at the extensive nature of the Project, which is geared towards uplifting the lives and livelihoods of members of the Community. They went further to appeal to His Excellency to replicate similar projects in other parts of the State being ravaged by Gully Erosion.
They equally thanked the Governor for his continued release of funds to the project , considering that nothing could have been achieved by the Project without the sustained support of His Excellency, the environmental friendly Governor.
Pictures below:
