Nigeria: State Government Urges River Niger Dredging

As a way of guarding against a recurrence of flooding in Kwara State and its environs, the state government has called on Federal Government to take urgent steps towards dredging River Niger.

The Commissioner for Environment and Forestry, Barr. Kayode Towoju, who made the call during an interview with Royal Times correspondent, said the dredging of Asa River in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, would put a lasting solution to flood in Ilorin metropolis, adding this would boost agriculture along Patigi, Lafiaji through irrigation process.

According to Towoju, the dredging will be in three faces starting from Coca Cola Bridge, running to Unity Bridge, down to Emir River and thereafter to Amilengbe Bridge.

Royal Times reports that the Federal Ministry of Environment has recently awarded the dredging contract to AMBICO SENDIRIAN NIGERIA LIMITED, with Messrs Yola Consultants as project consultant in which the grudging has commenced.

While advising people residing in flood prone areas to relocate, he explained that the state government is committed to provide succour.

The Commissioner praised the effort of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Dr. Bukola Saraki, for fast-tracking the commencement of the project.

[mappress]

Source: ilorin, March 20, 2013