- Assures Delta Govt Decisive Intervention
The European Investment Bank assisted Delta State Nigeria Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) says it has not abandoned the Amachai Gully Erosion project in Okpanam, rather the project remains valid, approved and on the implementation pipeline under the NEWMAP-EIB framework.
The State Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, Mr. Benedict Nwaokocha disclosed this in his reaction to a publication on alleged abandonment of Amachai Gully Erosion project in Amachai community, Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, published in the Sunday Pointer.
According to him, “contrary to insinuations in the publication, Amachai Gully Erosion Rehabilitation Project has not been abandoned by either the Delta State Government or the Donor Agency (European Investment Bank – EIB”, adding that, “the project remains valid, approved and on the implementation pipeline under the NEWMAP – EIB framework”.
While the government empathizes deeply with the residents of the affected areas, over the stress, fears and inconveniences, he said, it was necessary to clarify salient issues, correct misconceptions and reassure the public of government’s unwavering commitment to resolving the challenge.
He said the nationwide impact on the delay of the Project was not attributable to Delta State Government, Delta State NEWMAP – EIB or the Donor Agency, rather the delay arose from a directive issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment, through the National Office of NEWMAP – EIB that necessitated a temporary suspension or harmonization of project implementation processes across participating states.
Nwaokocha noted that Delta State Government under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, remains fully committed to addressing erosion challenges and safeguarding lives and property through the Renewed Hope for MORE agenda across the state.
He disclosed that the Delta State Government had fully discharged its obligations under the Subsidiary Loan Agreement with the donor Agency through the payment of N1 billion counterpart funding that underscores the seriousness and readiness of the state government to ensure the successful execution of the project.
He stated that the governor has demonstrated strong political will by meeting counterpart funding obligations, prioritized environmental sustainability, infrastructure resilience, disaster risk reduction and has continued engagements with federal authorities and development partners to ensure stalled processes are resolved and projects commence without further delay.
He reminded stakeholders that the Project had stepped up community mobilization and sensitization, stakeholders’ engagement meetings in Amachai, Ogbeozoma and adjoining communities, as well as facilitated the formation of Community Associations and Committees to ensuring local participation, ownership and grievance redress mechanisms, in line with NEWMAP-EIBłl operational guidelines.
He, however, acknowledges that the concerns raised by residents of Amachai community are legitimate and deeply appreciated, saying the government acknowledges the hardship endured and assured the community that the state government is interfacing with the federal authorities and development partners to ensure the project takes off as soon as approvals and directives are cleared.
The NEWMAP boss, therefore, appealed for continued patience, cooperation and calm, assuring residents that their plight has not been ignored while decisive intervention remains forthcoming.
