The Minister for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari Friday commissioned the Idye Flood Control Project in Makurdi, the Benue state capital.
The 3.35km project was awarded by the federal government following the 2017 flood which claimed some lives and destroyed properties in Makurdi.
Speaking at the commissioning, Akume said the project is one of the 17 ecological intervention projects approved by President Buhari for the fourth quarter of 2017.
He stated that it was awarded for execution by the Federal Executive Council on May 4, 2018, with a completion period of 48 weeks.
According to him, the Phase One of the project covered a distance of 3.35km beginning from Police Zone IV Headquarters and terminating by the railway after the BIPC Estate, Nyiman, Makurdi.
“It is serving well in accommodating the volume of water in the Idye basin. The completion of this project underscores the federal government’s concerted efforts and sincerity of purpose in tackling problems of its citizens and making life more meaningful for the people of our great nation.
“There is no doubt in my mind that the project will encourage and improve the health status, economic activities and the general well-being of the people of this community,” he said.
He further said the Idye flood control project commissioning and handling over “will offer the community an opportunity to take ownership of the project in ensuring its security, maintenance and sustainability.”
