From Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo
Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has reiterated his administration’s resolve to safeguard lives and property through people-oriented projects across the state.
Speaking at the flag-off of the Boboji storm water control construction project in Jalingo, the governor assured residents that relief is on the horizon.
He said the aim of the project was to address the persistent flooding in the area, noting that the intervention will restore hope to residents who have long endure the diverstating effects of erosion and flooding.
The governor also directed the Jalingo Local Government Council to immediately rehabilitated the road linking the affected community to enhance accessibility and compliment the drainage project.
In his remarks, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, observed that the Boboji erosion had become a major source of concerned to residents of Jalingo and commended the state government for taking decisive action.
On her part, the State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Alishat Barde, highlighted the severity of the drainage problem, describing it as a serious environmental threat to lives and property.
She disclosed that the state government sought the support of the World Bank to execute the project because of its magnitude and urgency.
The Team Leader of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, described the Boboji storm water control initiative as one of the project’s priority interventions due to its scale and impact.
According to her, the project will not only curb persistent flooding in the flood prone zone but also create employment opportunities for residents during and after construction.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Jalingo Local Government Area, Hon. Nura Dantsoho, and the Galadima Muri, Alhaji Abba Tukur Abba, commended Governor Agbu Kefas for responding promptly to the plight of the people and taking concrete steps to resolve the long standing environmental challenge.
