(Ecological Fund Office) – The Permanent Secretary in the Ecological Fund Office, Goni M. Sheikh has expressed delight that the people of Ilorin have begun reaping the benefits of the federal government funded multi-billion naira Asa Channelization Project in Ilorin, Kwara State with only 62% completion.
Goni Sheikh expressed this view recently when he inspected the on-going project comprising high quality dredging works and evacuation of debris and other refuse on the Asa River and its tributaries; saying the project has resolved the problem of perennial flooding in the area. He added that it has paved the way for most people who had previously abandoned their houses and properties to now come back to reclaim them.
The Permanent Secretary also regretted that people have resorted to the dumping of refuse along the channels ranging from water sachets, food wraps, rags, plastics, bottles, utensils, used tyres and electronics, among others. According to him, the dumping of refuse in the river channel has become a source of worry as areas already evacuated of debris are being silted with continuous dumping of refuse by the residents.
He solicited for support from officials of the Kwara State Government towards intensifying sanitation drive and environmental safety awareness campaigns as well as the enforcement of relevant sanitation laws among the people of the area.
While praising the Kwara State Government for its support and cooperation on the project so far, the Permanent Secretary disclosed the intention to further seek assistance from the State Government, in order to bring lasting solutions to evacuate identified obstructing structures along the right of way (ROW). He said that these are capable of hampering the realisaton of the objectives of the project and its timely completion.
According to him, the contract for the Channelisation of the Asa River and its tributaries, which run to about 2.30 kilometres long was awarded in 2012 to Ambico Sendirian Nigeria Limited at the sum of N1, 233,761,817.20 with work commencement date of 25th February, 2013.
The Permanent Secretary was accompanied on the inspection tour by the Director of Drought and Desertification Control of the Ecological Fund Office, Kola Oluwatuyi, some personnel from EFO, officials of the Kwara State Ministry of Town Planning and Development Authority as well as the Project Consultant and Contractor.
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