World Bank Commends Edo Govt on Gully Erosion Reclamation

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The World Bank has commended Edo State Government for not interfering in the contracting process of the ongoing gully erosion reclamation works at Queen Ede, Auchi, and Ekenhuan under the auspices of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).

The World Bank Task Team Leader for NEWMAP, Dr. Amos Abu, gave the commendation when he led a delegation of officials of the Bank, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and relevant agencies of the Federal Government on a Technical Implementation Support Mission to Edo State.

He explained that the officials were on due diligence mission to inspect the ongoing civil works in three gully sites in the state and ascertain the level of compliance with the approved designs as well as review the designs of the new sites prepared by the State Government.

He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done in the state as there was value for money and commitment to transparency and accountability, adding that the World Bank was pleased to partner with Edo State Government.

The Task Team Leader disclosed that the designs being implemented in Edo State and other NEWMAP states were in tandem with international best practices and models and had been tested and successfully used in China, Brazil, and other countries.

He asserted that the projects belonged to Edo State Government while the World Bank and other agencies were only providing technical and financial support, stressing that no single complaint of Government interference had been received from the state during the tendering process.

In his interaction with community members at the various locations, the World Bank chief enjoined the people to take ownership of the project and refrain from dumping waste in unauthorized places.