Delta Govt Pushes for Urgent Gully Erosion Intervention, Says Relief Is on the Way

By Admin 

The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the devastating gully erosion threatening Ogbeozoma, Vanguard, and Amachai communities, assuring residents that it is intensifying efforts to secure the commencement of a major intervention project.

Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Jamani, disclosed this during an interview with journalists, stressing that the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori remains fully committed to addressing the environmental crisis.

He said the state government is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), a climate adaptation initiative, to deliver a lasting solution to the erosion menace.

Jamani further revealed that the Delta State Government is collaborating with the European Investment Bank (EIB), which is expected to support the project as a donor agency. According to him, representatives of the EIB and the Federal Project Management Unit recently visited Delta State to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities.

"They came to Delta because of our continuous agitation and concern over the suffering of our people as a result of these catastrophic gullies," he said.

The commissioner noted that the state government has fulfilled all obligations required for the project, including the payment of N1 billion in counterpart funding. He explained that donor-funded projects undergo extensive procedures before implementation, unlike conventional government projects that move directly from approval to execution.

"This is not a situation where a state government approves a project, awards a contract, and moves straight to site. There are procurement procedures, engineering designs, community engagement processes, Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), and several other requirements that must be completed," Jamani explained.

He added that accredited engineering firms engaged by NEWMAP and the EIB have already completed critical components of the project, including engineering designs, geotechnical investigations, ESMP preparation, and other consultancy services funded by the state government.

According to him, the completed designs have been forwarded to the National Project Coordinator in Abuja for approval before submission to the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the European Investment Bank.

Jamani appealed to the relevant authorities and donor agencies to fast-track the approval process to enable work to begin without further delay.

While acknowledging the anxiety among residents living close to the erosion-prone areas, he urged them to remain calm, assuring them that the government is doing everything possible to ensure the project receives final approval and moves to the implementation stage.

"The people are living in fear, and we understand their concerns. However, they should know that the Delta State Government is not sleeping on this issue. We are doing everything possible to ensure the project is approved and implemented," he said.