Delta signs N2.4b erosion control contract

• Assembly approves N5b for film village, park

Delta State government yesterday doubled its effort in erosion control by signing a N2.4 billion contract, in partnership with the World Bank. A pact for the first of such control was signed between the state’s Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) and Levante Construction Limited for the Owanta Gully Erosion Project in Ika North-East Council.

The project’s duration is 18 months. Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Chiedu Ebie, enjoined the construction company to keep faith with the terms and conditions of the job.

“The administration of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa saw the need to partner with the World Bank through the Delta State NEWMAP to tackle erosion challenges in the state. I, therefore, call on Levante Construction Company to ensure that the project is executed on time and to specifications,” his Public Relations Officer (PRP), Mr. Oghenero Orovwuje, stated.

The Commissioner for Environment, Christian Onogba, added, “The contract signing agreement was historical, as the menace of erosion in the area would become a thing of the past. It would erase the impression of pessimists who thought the project was a fluke and a campaign deceit.”

Earlier, the project coordinator of Delta NEWMAP, Isaac Ifiofio, had commended Okowa for ameliorating the sufferings of the people and expressed happiness that the project would commence soon.Senior project coordinator of Levante, Emma Adidi, thanked the state government for awarding his firm the contract, promising to deliver a standard project according to the contract specifications.

In a related vein, the House of Assembly, at the resumption of plenary after a four-week break for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, has approved a request by the governor for the construction of a film village and leisure park in Ugbolu, Oshimili North Council.

The entertainment centre is expected to gulp N5 billion.This was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika. He stated, “The governor’s letter was read on the floor of the House by the Speaker, Sheriff Oborevwori, at plenary. The project would not only boost the revenue base of the state, but would also create jobs for the youths.

He also stated that government would provide 30 per cent of the funds while investors would provide the balance, pointing out that the letter was to seek the authorisation of the House.The request was approved following a motion by the Majority Leader, Tim Owhefere, and seconded by Peter Uviejitobor (Udu constituency).

Similarly, the Asaba International Airport has recorded another milestone as Aero Contractors commences daily direct flights to Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, with effect from January 20 except Saturdays.

Disclosing this in a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, noted that the growing business activities in the airport was as a result of the huge investments made by the Okowa administration to upgrade the airport. Aniagwu stated, “As part of the upgrade of the airport, the administration has concluded the air filed lightings and is about concluding the final processes that will lead to the calibration of the Instrument Landing System (ILS).”