During an on-the-spot inspection tour of projects in Kwara and Lagos states, Malam Shehu expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work at the Dredging and Channelization of Tejuosho (NTA) Canal Railway works in Surulere, Lagos State. He maintained that there must be visible impact on government resources expended on ecological interventions across the country. Malam Shehu regretted that the project, which was supposed to be completed within one year of award, has taken almost three years with not more than 55% completion.
Malam Shehu also inspected the 4km Asa River/Isale Koko Erosion and Flood Control Project in Ilorin, Kwara State. He disclosed that the ecological intervention of the Federal Government through EPO has brought an end to over 20 years of flooding in the area. The project is positioned to handle the threats posed by the river and its offshoots, which have caused untold hardship to residents every year.
The major works to be executed under the contract involve dredging, desilting, channelization, and construction of retaining walls and drainage channels. Malam Shehu appealed to residents to maintain the projects so that they can last long and also admonished them to avoid indecent dumping of debris on the canals that escalate flooding. Additionally, he said that the dumped debris will block the waterways, narrow the river path and prevent the free flow of water during the rainy season.
The Permanent Secretary promised to intensify his monitoring program on all EPO on-going projects across the country. He also summoned the contractor to the office to discuss reasons for the delay and map out the way forward. Malam Shehu urged the state government to collaborate with the EPO to stop residents from dumping refuse in the river to achieve their goals. The inspection tour was carried out in the presence of EPO Directors, including the Director, Soil Erosion and Flood Control, the Director, Special Duties, the Director, Drought, Desertification and Coastal Zone Management, and the Director II, Pollution Control
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