NEWMAP commences work at 5 erosion sites in Imo

Governor Rocha’s Okorocha disclosed this yesterday during the official launching of the project at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Owerri.
Okorocha represented at the occasion by the secretary to government of Imo State, (SGI) Prof. Anthony Anwukah noted that Imo is one of the 7 States of the South-East and South-South Nigeria hit by erosion menace while appealing to the Federal Government for financial and other supports.
He said: “We can proudly say that the Rescue Mission Government knowing the benefits of land reclamation and remediation did not waste any time in paying the counterpart fund”
The governor said that the project is launched in fulfillment of the processes for the full roll-off of the project.
He said the Rescue Mission government believes that investing on the people is the import of true democracy as he expressed the hoped that the NEWMAP will positively impact not just in those areas where erosion has done severe havoc to our land but will enhance the lives of persons of the areas and the entire state.
He also called on everyone in the state, to join hands with the implementers of the NEWMAP to ensure full benefits of the project.
Earlier, the Chairman, State NEWMAP and Commissioner for Petroleum and Environment, Prof. Okee Okoro commended Governor Rochas Okorocha for responding to the cries of IMO people by paying the One hundred Million Naira Counterpart Fund to make the project a reality in the State.
He assured all that watershed is the best way to control erosion and urged every affected community to be patient as the project will be implemented in phases until every area is reached.
He said: “our land is our wealth, dignity and future; let us join hands and fight erosion until we cannot find any erosion cite again in Imo State”.
In their separate remarks, the Task Team Leader, NEWMAP, Dr. Amos Abu revealed that already, the work sites in the State have been designed contracted, while work is in progress at five erosion sites with ten more sites to be included soon.
Also, the State Project Coordinator, Engr. Victor Anueyiagu Said land degradation is of major concern to every major land user and therefore called on all to be more conscious of the environment and work together to solve erosion havoc while thanking the Rescue Mission government for prompt intervene