By Henry Ibya, Makurdi
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, has encouraged Benue communities particularly people of Idye community who are direct beneficiaries of drainage constructed by N- HYPPADEC to take ownership by sustaining its maintenance and ensuring preservation for the collective good of the society.
Senator Akume who made the remarks at the formal commissioning and handing over of 1.2 km Idye Basin Erosion Control/Hydaulic Drainage project constructed by Benue State Government in collaboration with National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission, N- HYPPADEC, in Makurdi, commended the commission for completing and handing over the project, stressing that the constructed drainage would mitigate flooding in the area and the entire state.
The SGF represented by Minister of Environment and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, described the Idye Basin Erosion Control/Hydraulic Drainage project as important as it would turn the challenges particularly faced by residents of Nyiman community, acknowledging the efforts of N- HYPPADEC towards handling environmental degradation to promote sustainable development in the country’s power producing areas.
Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia in a remark acknowledged that the project is designed to mitigate the impact of flooding which has caused devastating effect on agricultural activities of the people as well as affected safety of lives of those living along Idye area.
On his part Managing Director of N- HYPPADEC, Abubakar Sadiq said the inauguration of the project has marked a significant milestone in efforts towards mitigating the devastating impact of flooding and erosion in the state.
He thanked Senator Akume, Governor Alia and all National Assembly members from the state for their various roles that made possible completion of the project.