Akampka residents commend FG for erosion control, road improvement project
Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Residents of Akampka Local government area of Cross River state have commended the Federal Government for recently completed erosion control and road improvement project in the area.
They stated this at the project commissioning by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The project was executed by the Ecological Fund Office, Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The village head of Ifumkpa community, Mr. Ejum Mathias said the timely intervention had created easy access for their agricultural produce to be evacuated to urban areas.
He pleaded for more social amenities for the community such as mast installation, good water system, and tarring of the road.
Earlier, President Buhari represented by Hon Minister of State for Power, Mr. Goddy Jedy Agba said the project was meant to address the effects of erosion flood menace and improve motorable road to the communities.
He said the completion of the project underscores the Federal Government’s concerted effort and sincerity of purpose in tackling problems of its citizens and making life more meaningful for the people.
He noted that the project was a testimony to the present administration’s promise that no part of the country will suffer any neglect owing to its geographical location or political consideration.
The Governor of Cross River state, Prof. Ben Ayade, represented by the Commissioner for Environment Cross River State, Mr. Mfon Bassey commended the Federal government for the urgent intervention.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office, Dr Habiba Lawal represented by Engr. Udochi Nwachukwu, Deputy Director, Soil and Erosion Control department Ecological Fund Office, said that the project was initiated through a request for an urgent intervention forwarded to the Ecological Fund Office by the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred, Ekanem Oyo-Ita (FCA) in order to arrest the continuous erosion, flooding and other ecological challenges in the communities and to avoid further environmental degradation, loss of lives and properties.
Habiba urged the benefiting communities to take over and exercise ownership over the project, to ensure its maintenance and sustainability that the resources which the Federal Government had committed to the project must not be allowed to waste.
Present at the event were the former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government, Chief of staff to the Honourable minister of state for Power, traditional rulers of the communities and members of the Community.
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