Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has signed a N29.9 billion erosion control contractors for Etahi, Omigbo and Ankpa communities in the state.
The communities are spread across the three Senatorial Districts of Kogi State.
Signing the contract for the commencement of civil works at Etahi, Omigbo and Ankpa erosion sites, Ododo charged the contractors to handle the assignment with the seriousness it deserves.
He explained that the contract was aimed at addressing the menace of gully erosion and its attendant effects on the affected communities.
Gov. Ododo, who was represented by Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun Stephen, Kogi State Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, called for all hands to be on deck to ensure that the project is executed to specifications for the benefit of the communities.
He also urged them to take ownership of the projects and safeguard it.
“It is on record that the communities of these various erosion sites have suffered greatly from the devastating effects of the gully erosion, which has led to monumental loss of lives and properties.
“Therefore, we highly hope that the program today and the subsequent commencement of the civil works at these erosion sites will eventually bring a great relief to the people,” he said.
The Commissioner stated that the project is being funded by the state government via a loan facility from the World Bank ACReSAL project.
He said : ” The governor urged the contractors to deploy all relevant resources to the execution of the assignment to ensure quality job delivery that will meet global standards.
“The Governor praised the tireless efforts of the State Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto, OON, and her able teams, for a job well done, culminating into the success of the project signing for the commencement of work.”
Earlier in her welcome remarks, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto expressed delight on behalf of the State Government for the signing of the contract for the gully erosion reclamation, stabilisation and channeling of three sites located at Olubo-Ojo in Ankpa, Etahi in Okene, and Kabba Bunu Channelization in Kabba.
She described the signing as signposting the even developmental spread of the Administration of Gov. Usman Ododo in the State.
She explained further that the signing of the contract for the erosion control of the three critical sites will address the hardship caused to the communities, destroyed farmlands, government infrastructure, access to markets, hospitals, and schools.
Ladi acknowledged the exceptional leadership style of Gov. Ododo, said his determination to continue with the fight against land degradation and erosion menace in State which remains unrivaled.
She equally thanked the Governor for continuing with all the viable projects that impact positively on the people of the State, and for the approval of additional funding as counterpart funds, to be used to pay compensation at the 3 sites, before the commencement of civil works.
The Project Coordinator said the process to pick Contractors for Civil Works for the gully reclamation, stabilization and channelization, of the three sites, began in earnest when the advert for the assignment was placed in two national newspapers.
She said this was followed by the Bid Closing and Bid Opening exercise on July 27, 2023.
” A total of 21 firms successfully submitted their bids.
“After a Rigorous, Competitive, Evaluation process of the received BIDS, in line with World Bank Guidelines, two (2) firms emerged successful namely: Mothercat Limited (Ankpa Olubojo Erosion Site), and LEVANT CONSTRUCTION LIMITED (ETAHI & OMIGBO GULLY SITES).
“The cost of the Civil Works for Etahi Erosion Site she disclosed is ten billion, six hundred and sixty-four million, six hundred and twelve thousand, forty-six kobo (N10,664,612,410.46) only, while that of Omigbo Erosion Site is nine billion, eight hundred and sixty-six million, eight hundred and seven thousand, forty-four naira (N9,866,807,044.00) only; and that of Ankpa Gully Site she added is nine billion, three hundred and ninety-seven million, thirty-seven thousand, eight hundred and ninety-seven naira, sixty-nine kobo (N9,397,037,897.69).
In their separate goodwill messages, the Commissioners for Water Resources, Engr. Yayaha Farouk, Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Timothy Ojoma, Co Chairmen of Kogi ACReSAL State Steering Committee, described the efforts of the present administration in combating Erosion and land degradation as unprecedented.
They said the signing of the contracts underscored the determination of Gov Ododo’s commitment to fighting the menace of gully erosion in the State.
In their separate remarks, Engr. Joubram Saadeh, Project Manager of Mothercat limited and Elie Tannous, MD Levants, the contracting companies assured of quality project execution in line with global best practices.
Highlights of the signing were the official presentation of the award documents to the contracting firms by the Governor. (vitalnewsngr.com)
