The Federal Government has inaugurated an erosion and flood control project in Akpene Eket in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The project was executed through the Ecological Fund Office (EFO).
Dr. Okey Enelamah, minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, representing the President, said the Federal Government would tackle ecological challenges.
The project is one of the 26 Federal Government ecological intervention projects for second quarter of 2017.
The contract was awarded by the Ecological Fund Office Tenders Board (EFOTB) on May 30, 2017.
Enelamah said after inspecting the three sites under this project that ”from the visit to the remediated sites, I am happy about the quality of work and the takeaway is that this government is a ‘Doing Government’, committed to project completion.
“Also, approval of this project by Mr. President is a testimony of his administration’s promise not to allow any part of the country suffer neglect, irrespective of geographical location or political consideration.”
The minister said the administration would rebuild infrastructure, which had been characterised by a gap too wide to effectively support economic growth and job creation.
“The administration is focused on rebuilding and modernising strategic national infrastructure to spur economic growth and development; a viable and sustainable way of increasing jobs, and improving living standards.”
He noted that although countries around the world are facing environmental challenges from heavy rains causing devastating floods and massive erosion, the Federal Government will address the needs of affected areas.
Enelamah congratulated the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, and his EFO team; Project Contractor Messrs Munaish Investment Nigeria Limited; as well as Project Consultant Messrs AAP and Partnership International Ltd, for their speed. He hailed the Akpene Eket communities for their co-operation and efforts at ensuring a peaceful environment for project execution.
Reminding the communities of the need for a healthy maintenance culture, he implored them to stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels.
“It is the responsibility of the communities to take proud ownership of the project and embrace a maintenance culture to ensure its sustainability,” the minister said.