Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has signed contracts with two construction firms to the tune of N29.9bn for the commencement of civil works at Etahi, Omigbo and Ankpa erosion sites across the three senatorial districts of the state.
A breakdown of the contract shows that the sum for Etahi Gully Site in Okene Local Government Area stands at N10.6bn; while that of Omigbo in Kabba Bunu LGA is N9.8bn and the contract sum for Olubo-Ojo Gully Site in Ankpa LGA stands at N9.3bn.
This was contained in a statement on Monday by the state Commissioner for information, Kingsley Fanwo.
The contracts were said to have been signed earlier on Monday.
While signing the contracts for the commencement of civil works, the governor charged the contractors to execute the jobs with the sense of responsibility and the seriousness they deserve.
Ododo, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Joseph Stephen, called for all hands to be on the deck to ensure that the projects are executed to specification for the benefit of the communities.
He also urged the people in the areas covered by the contracts to own them and safeguard them.
“It is on record that the communities of these various erosion sites have suffered greatly from the devastating effects of gully erosion, which has led to monumental loss of lives and property.
“Therefore, it is hoped that the programme today and the subsequent commencement of the civil works at these erosion sites will eventually bring great relief to the people,” the governor said.
He also stated that the project is funded by the Kogi State Government in partnership with the World Bank ACReSAL Project.
Ododo further urged the contractors to deploy all relevant resources to execute the assignment to ensure quality job delivery that will meet global standards.
He praised the efforts of the State Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Ladi Jatto, and her team for a job well done, culminating in the success of the project signing for the commencement of work.
Earlier, in her welcome remarks, Jatto expressed delight on behalf of the state government for the signing of the contract for the gully reclamation, stabilisation and channelling of three sites located at the Olubo-Ojo Site in Ankpa LGA, Etahi Site in Okene, and the Omigbo Channelisation Site in Kabba LGA.
