Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPDEC) has commenced construction of water channels in Koto-karfe, Kogi State, as part of its intervention programme to avert flooding.
The first phase of the intervention project was borne out of the meeting held between HYPPDEC, Kogi Ministries of Environment and that of Works as well as the benefitting community to assist in the control of water off roads and prevention of other properties from being flooded now that rain has started.
The Managing Director of HYPPDEC, Arch. Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa while speaking with journalists at the project site in Koto-karfe recently, disclosed that the contract for the job was awarded at the cost of N220 million.
Yelwa also told journalists that the contractor handing the work was given eight weeks within which to complete the project according to the contract specifications.
“The construction of water channels, culverts and drainages is part of HYPPDEC intervention to control splash of water through the constructed channels.
“The measure no doubt will as well go a long way in mitigation of flooding devastation,” the MD assured.
The Ohimege-Igu of Koto-karfe, His Royal Majesty, Abdulrasaq Isah Koto during the inspection at the project site, had commended HYPPDEC for its timely intervention to rescue his people in the event of another flooding this year.
According to the royal father “Our fear now that rain has started early is the possibility of another round of being flooded.
“Last year my people suffered untold hardship as a result of flooding. HYPPDEC intervention in this direction is a welcome development. With this intervention, it will go a long way in reducing our fears.”
He assured the contractor of the safety of the construction equipments and pleaded for the job to be delivered within the time frame.
Earlier, Kogi Commissioners for Environment and that of Works, Victor Omofaye and Engr. Agbo Samson, had reiterated the commitment of Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration in ensuring control of ecological disaster in the state through prompt payment of its counterpart funding to the World Bank.
They pledged to complement HYPPDEC’s desire for quality execution of the project through effective supervision.
