Niger State Gov’t moves to checkmate age-long environmental degradation in Rafin Goro community

Residents of the Rafin Goro community in the Kontagora Local Government Area will soon breathe a sigh of relief as the Niger State Government is constructing drainage and bridge to checkmate prolonged environmental degradation that has claimed several lives and destroyed many properties for decades.

This was contained in a press release signed by Mary Noel-Berje, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State.

The project which is a partnership between the state government and the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project, (NEWMAP) is expected to provide motorists with a short access road to Lagos.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, who was on the spot for the assessment of the ongoing project site said that over one billion naira would be expended on the work.

He noted that heavy downpour and overflow of water from the dam have made some houses collapse and several lives lost resulting in untold hardship on the people.

The Governor added that the government engaged a consultant and came up with an idea to redesign a new waterway as well as measures to reduce water pressure passing through the community.

“A lot of houses are being threatened, on this side you have houses that have gone under over the years but I think with these measures taken now it will protect other houses now”.

He said compensation has been paid, with some of the residents resettled, adding that when the project is completed, the problem of gully erosion in the area will be over.

The Governor assured that with the pace of work he has seen, the project will be completed within the stipulated time pointing out that the concept of the project would be extended.

The Project Manager, Mr Martins Elebute said that every contractual agreement has been adhered to but sighted security challenge as a major problem.

Mr Elebute commended the government for the prompt release of funds, saying that raw material was not a challenge but appealed for security personnel to be provided at the site.

The community which has suffered for decades has stories of woe to tell whenever the heavens open because the situation always leaves them to mourn their children and adults as well as lose many properties.

The construction of this bridge will in the end improve the economic value of the area as well bring about rapid growth and development.