As part of effort to tackle the erosion menace in Imo state, a sum of two billion Naira has been earmarked for the project by the World Bank.Mr. Beniot Bosquet who is the sector Manager on Environment and climate change matters in the World Bank African region, announced this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha at the Government House Owerri.
He said the fund was approved to tackle the gully erosion sites at Umueshi in Ideato South, Ihioma-Ogbaeruru in Orlu and Eziala Obizi in Ezinihitte Mbaise LGAs of the state.Mr Beniot Bosquet noted that the team was in the state as part of the ongoing Joint World Bank food and Agricultural/federal government of Nigeria subvention mission holding in the state, called on the government to support the intervention through payment of N400 million counterpart fund needed by the state to access their approved amount.He noted that the other sites which include Ezem Azu Uruala in Ideato North and Umuezealaibe in Isu Njaba LGA are awaiting approval by the World Bank.
The sector manager explained that the Nigeria erosion and water shade management project (NEWMAP) was set up by the World Bank in conjunction with the federal government to tackle environmental and climate change issues in the south east.Responding, the Imo state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha thanked the World Bank for their interest in the development of Imo State and pledged to pay its part of the counterpart fund to ensure that the work commenced in earnest.
He however blamed the late commencement of the project on bureaucracy and said he believed on government of quick action.Present were the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Chinedu Offor, SSA Media, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo.
