In its determination to protect residential buildings against gully erosion in the Kogi State, the State government has commenced tracking of erosion sites across the various senatorial districts of the State.

The State Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Idris made this known when he led the team from the Ministry to the erosion site in Agassa in Okene Local Government Area of the State.

Asiwaju Idris who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mallam Jimoh Mohammed said that erosion has become one of the worst environmental challenges in communities across the State.

He stressed the present administration’s efforts in controlling the effects of erosion on the people, part of which he noted was the visit to the site.

The Commissioner assured the affected community in Agassa of having relief from the devastating effect of gully erosion as the State Government has taken measures against development in the area.

He also said the visit will provide him and his team with first-hand information on the progress of work done and also confirm that money released for the projects is well utilized.

According to the Commissioner, the Ministry makes annual budgetary provisions for projects to be carried out in the State hence the need to monitor the performance and quality of work to be carried out.

While commending Governor Yahaya Bello, for keying into the Nigeria Erosion Watershed Management Project, NEWMAP, Projects, Asiwaju Idris said the impacts of the collaboration are evidenced through the level of achievements recorded by NEWMAP at impacting positively on the lives of the people of the State.

The commissioner however used the opportunity to appeal to the people of Agassa community to partner with the State Government with a view to sustain the projects.

Earlier, the State Project Coordinator of NEWMAP, Mrs Ladi Jato who was represented by Mr. Micheal Ojo thanked the Commissioner and his team for the visit to the erosion sites.

She expressed appreciation to the Ministry for it’s support towards achieving set goals

According to her the ministry has on quarterly basis monitored the disbursement of funds to make sure it was judiciously spent.

On her plans to sustain and maintain the projects during and after completion, Mrs Ladi said a lot of sensitization and awareness still needs to be done in the affected Communities to support and sustain the projects.

State Cordinator of NEWMAP