Residents of Rafin Goro community in Kontagora Local Government Area will soon breath a sigh of relief as Niger State Government is constructing drainage and bridge to checkmate prolonged environmental degradation that has claimed several lives and destroyed many property for decades.
The project which is a partnership between the state government and the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project, (NEWMAP) is expected to provide motorist a short access road to lagos.
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, who was on, on the spot assessment of the ongoing project site said that over One Billion Naira (#1b) would be expended on the work.
He noted that heavy downpour and overflow of water from the dam have made some houses collapse and several lives lost resulting to untold hardship on the people.
The Governor added that the government engaged a consultant and came up with an idea to redesign a new waterway as well as measures to reduce water pressure passing through the community.
“A lot of houses are being threatened, on this side you have houses that have gone under over the years but I think with these measures taken now it will protect other houses now”.
He said compensation has been paid, with some of the residents resettled, adding that when the project is completed the problem of gully erosion in the area will be over.
The Governor assured that with the pace of work he has seen, the project will be completed within the stipulated time pointing out that the concept of the project would be extended.
The Project Manager, Mr Martins Elebute said that every contractual agreement has been adhered to but sighted security challenge as a mojor problem.
Mr Elebute commended the government for the prompt release of funds, saying that raw material was not a challenge but appealed for security personnel to be provided at the site.
The community which has suffered for decades, has stories of woe to tell when ever the heavens open because, the situation always leave them to mourn their children and adults as well as lose many property.
The construction of this bridge will at the end improve the the economic value of the area as well bring about rapid growth and development.
