FG tasks anti-graft academy on sustainability of flood control project

The Federal Government has urged the AntiCorruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), to ensure proper maintenance and sustainability of the erosion control project by the Ecological Project Office (EPO). ACAN is the anti-graft academy of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The Permanent Secretary, Ecological Project Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Shehu Ibrahim, gave the charge during the inspection of EPO’s project in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that other projects sites inspected by Ibrahim included Erosion Control and Road Improvement Work at Solutionist Estate, off Orozo-Karshi road, and the River Channelisation and Slope Protection Work within the Maitama District, both in Abuja. The permanent secretary, who expressed satisfaction over the beneficiaries’ testimonies of government’s intervention projects, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and properties of Nigerians, and enhancing their wellbeing.

According to him, “the interventions will mitigate the ecological challenges in ACAN and environs, the FCT and surrounding areas, as well as bring government’s presence and succour to the people.

“I advise you to maintain this project very well so that it can be able to last as long as possible. “The government is always ready to assist within available finances, and one area of our concentration is the institution because it provides services to the general public, therefore such places need a lot of mileage.”

The provost of the academy, Prof. Olatunde Babawale, commended EPO for its prompt response to ACAN’s request which will ameliorate the plight of the academy, as well as the host communities.

“The academy has always been hit by incessant floods, and our fences have always been pulled down, especially when there is heavy rainfall.

“We have a structure which has been stalled, because anytime there is rainfall, the entire building is always flooded. So, we got information that we can approach the ecological project office for assistance.

“Erosion which has been mitigated through this government intervention, not only in ACAN, but even in surrounding farms and resident communities, so it is a big relief for us and others faced with the challenge.

“Initially, the whole of the area was flooded, it was virtually like a wasted land in view of flooding and other related environmental issues, but with the intervention of the office, we have been relieved,” Babawale said.

Muhammad Babashehu, Chairman, Keffi Local Government Area, on behalf of the entire community, commended the Federal Government and EPO for the laudable project, adding that the project would attract development to the area.

Babashehu, who described the project as ultra-modern, said it was the first gigantic erosion control project in Keffi.

“Myself and people of Keffi community are very grateful, happy and overwhelmed seeing this ultra-modern project. We did not expect this project in Keffi.

“I commend the efforts of the Federal Government, EPO and the provost of the ICPC ACAN, for bringing this project to the community,” he said.

The chairman appealed to the government to extend same intervention to the entire Keffi communities bedeviled by flood. NAN reports that the projects at the Solutionist Estate in Karshi, included the construction of Trapezoidal drain, culverts, concrete slabs, pavement and surfacing. (NAN)