Delta Qualify For European Investment Bank Gully Rehabilitation Project
By Osehobo Ofure, Asaba
Delta State has fulfilled key conditions to access European Investment Bank (EIB) funds for gully erosion rehabilitation.
The state government has paid ₦1 billion as a counterpart fund for the EIB-assisted project.
The National Project Coordinator of the Nigeria Climate Change Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), Mr. Anda Ayuba-Yalaks, disclosed this in Asaba.
He led a project team to assess erosion sites in Amachai/Ogbozoma and Vanguard Area.
According to Mr. Yalaks, the sites are high-risk gullies that threaten infrastructure and human life.
“If no solution is provided before the end of the rainy season, buildings in the area could collapse,” he warned.
He confirmed that Delta State is 100% disbursement-ready for the project.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Tommy Jamani, praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for prioritizing environmental sustainability.
He noted that the governor also approved ₦300 million for engineering designs.
The State Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, Mr. Benedict Nwaokocha, assured residents that implementation would begin once the EIB releases funds.
The national project launch is scheduled for April 2025 in Abuja.
Commending the development, Assistant Secretary of Amachai Landlords Association, Bro. Israel Ohwevwo, expressed optimism, saying the governor is fulfilling campaign promises.
The environment commissioner urged the community to support the project and cooperate with contractors when work begins.
