There was palpable excitement especially in the North Bank area of Makurdi local government as Governor Samuel Ortom has directed the State Ministry of Water Resources and Environment to immediately begin work on reconstruction of streets ravaged by gully erosion as part of the solution to ecological challenges confronting the State.
Residents there on hearing siren of governor’s convoy troop out in their numbers to catch a glimpse of the governor Ortom as he carryout inspection of gully erosion which brought down many houses in which attention was not given by successive regimes in the state.
Governor who while carrying the assessment of the affected streets, said funds accessed through ecological interventions would be channelled for the reconstruction work in order to find respite for residents have cried for help from government.
“As a responsible government voted by the people, I have to act fast to bring to an end the erosion that have already ravaged the area”.
According to the governor, so far, the sum of N80 million naira had been accessed which would be used to commence work, pointing out that N40 million is to be accessed monthly for the project.
The Governor noted that the local governments councils in the state would also support the erosion control measures in order to open up streets some of which had become impassable.
Led by the Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, Engr Dondu Ahile and other principal Officers, he assured that in spite of dwindling resources, the administration would strive for excellence such that the social contract he entered with the people while campaigning would be maintained.
A resident, John Tyoughpev who elated by the governor’s visit in the area said, for the past twelve years, no governor has visited the area including during campaigns to see their plight as he alleged residents have been abandon to their fate.
He expressed optimism that with the visit by the governor which was voluntary would come out with respite as erosion has ravaged the area even as other social amenities like streets, water and healthcare points are lacking.
Another resident in the South Bank around the Rice Mill, Mrs. Elizabeth Ezechukwu said they have been hit by flooding at the Wadata area due to lack of drainages to channel water to river Benue and call on government to come to their aid to avert flooding this year as predicted by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Streets inspected by the Governor during the tour included the street in front of Okiki Hotel and another one close to Ter Guma street, all in North Bank, Makurdi.