The elders and members of Emu community in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State have expressed excitement and relief following the award of contract for the construction works at Emu-Ohodua Flood and Gully Alleviation and Protection.
The elders and people of the community expressed their joy when members of the Edo State Project Management Unit of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Unit paid a visit to the area.
While receiving the delegation in his palace, the Ojienojie 1 of Emu Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Promise Aidenojie Imhansienmhonjie expressed gratitude to Edo State Government, the World Bank and NEWMAP for the award of the contract for the reclamation works at the gully site.
The traditional ruler explained that the gully problem had caused untold hardship and threat to lives and properties in the community.
The Ojienojie 1 of Emu Kingdom said the people had long been expecting the commencement of the project and assured that there would be no form of hindrance in the project implementation.
He told the NEWMAP delegation that whatever was needed for the progress of the work should be brought to his attention and reiterated the commitment of his people to the project.
Speaking earlier, the NEWMAP State Project Coordinator, Dr. Tom Obaseki disclosed that they were in the palace to formally inform the traditional ruler and the community of the award of contract for the Emu-Ohordua gully intervention works and imminent commencement of work.
Dr. Obaseki explained that NEWMAP was aware of the threat to lives and properties posed by the gully over the years, adding that the NEWMAP approach was total.
The NEWMAP Project Coordinator disclosed that in a short while, the community would be able to sleep with the two eyes closed.
He assured that at the end of the intervention, the two communities would interlinked, livelihoods improved upon while socio-economic activities would experience enhancement.
On his part, the Chairman of Esan South East Local Government, Hon. Victor Emuakhagbon described the award of contract as a great development not only in the community, but also in the Local Government Area.
The Chairman expressed appreciation to the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for considering Emu-Ohordua in the intervention and assured of the cooperation of the LG and the community with the contractors.
The Local Government and NEWMAP officials had earlier visited the gully site.
