In a bid to tackle the devastating effects of flood and erosion menace in the state, the Delta State Government, in collaboration with the World Bank and Federal Government, has initiated remediation projects in five communities in the state.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who launched the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) on Thursday in Asaba, said that his administration would welcome all partnership that would proffer solution to erosion and environmental challenges.

NEWMAP, which is an interventionist programme assisted by the World Bank in collaboration with the Delta State Government under the auspices of the Federal Government, is designed to check gully erosion and flood.

Speaking at the event, Okowa observed that it was unfortunate that there were over 100 active erosion cum flood ravaged sites in Delta State.

According to him, “the World Bank has partnered with us in different areas and we are happy with the development as we are ready to partner with any organisation or individual that is ready to assist our people, especially, those in erosion and flood prone areas, and in the area of our job creation efforts.

“The World Bank has really impacted on our people and we will continue to come to the table with accountability,” he said, assuring that “for us in Delta State, we all should be involved in the monitoring of projects; if the contractor is doing well, praise him, but, if the project is not well executed, shout about it and it will be corrected.”

Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Sheriff Oborovwori saidat the occasion: “I must say that the launch of NEWMAP today is very timely because, the world is changing. We cannot run away from Climate Change. It has come to stay and we must rise up to the challenge.”

He appealed to Deltans to desist from building on natural waterways and stop blocking drainage system, observing that the Ministry of Environment had done a lot to open all blocked drainages across the state.

The Senior Environmental Specialist, World Bank and NEWMAP Task Team Leader, Dr Amos Abu thanked the Okowa administration for its commitment towards the development of the state, especially in tackling environmental challenges which was evident in the quick release of the counterpart funding of N530 million.

His Royal Majesty Obi Kikachukwu, the Obi of Ubulu Uno, who spoke on behalf of the Chairman of the state Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Emmanuel Efeizomor II; the Chairman of state chapter of the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Constantine Ikpokpo; and others commended Okowa’s efforts in attracting projects that would impact positively on the lives of Deltans, assuring that they would play their parts to ensure the successful execution of the programmes.

In a welcome address, Hon. John Nani, Commissioner for Environment, who is also Chairman of the Steering Committee of NEWMAP in the state, said: “The intervention of NEWMAP in the state will ensure route and gully reclamation in communities such as Midona, Boji Boji Owa, Ika North East Local Government Area; Obomkpa and Ukwu-Nzu in Aniocha North local government area; Ubulu Uku, Aniocha South local government area and Jesse, Ethiope West Local Government area, all in Delta State.”

•Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (2nd right); Speaker, State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori (right); Chief Judge of Delta State, Hon. Justice Marshal Umukoro (left) and Senior Environmental Specialist (World Bank) and Newmap Task Team Leader, Dr. Amos Abu, at the Formal Launching of Delta State (NEWMAP) Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, in Government House Asaba.