AUCHI – Work has begun in earnest on the reclamation of the massive land area devastated by erosion gullies in parts of Auchi in Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State.
The project, which is jointly sponsored by Edo State government and the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project, NEWMAP in collaboration with the world Bank was officially flagged off three weeks ago by the state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
A visit to the site by Our Correspondent revealed that work was at its peak as sand filling of the gullies and other jobs were on going by the contracting firm.
Project Engineer of the contracting firm, Mr Amim Tawk explained that the job was divided into three main sections and undertaken simultaneously.
He stated that the main job was the sand filling and construction of centre drains for the main gully of about 820 metres in length.
Mr Amim Tawk disclosed that the company had a 24 month time frame to complete the job, adding that efforts were being intensified to finish the earth work and centre drains before the rains set in.
Also reacting to the development, Chairman, Auchi Erosion Gully Management Committee, Chief Aziz Ogboano expressed appreciation to the Oshiomhole led administration for initiating the project, saying that the gullies had hitherto terrified and devastated the community in no small measure.
Chief Ogboano noted that the fact that the job was given to a competent contractor that could meet the expectations of the people was also worthy of commendation as Auchi community could henceforth heave a sigh of relief after many years of trauma.
He disclosed that victims of the gullies who lost their houses were to be resettled and compensated as soon as arrangements are concluded.
