The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the channelization of Asa River, Ilorin.
On the channellisation of Asa River, the Minister for Information disclosed that the Council approved the contract for the channellisation of the Asa River and its tributaries in Ilorin, Kwara State at a total cost of N1, 233,761,817.20 with a completion period of 12 months.
“ The perennial problem of flooding in Ilorin caused by Asa River and its tributaries and the attendant destruction of lives and properties has been a major concern to the Kwara and Federal governments. The menace of the flood in 2007 and 2008 were particularly so severe that government had to establish shelters for the displaced people in schools, mosques and churches within the town. As a result, officials of the Department of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zones Management (EFCMZ) of the Ministry of Environment recommended the dredging of the river ,” Maku explained.
He disclosed further that the Council also called for the reports on the maintenance of the Ogunpa channellisation flood control project, Ibadan for whichN7.5billion had earlier been approved, to ensure that it is on course.
Speaking on the Asa River channelization contract, the Minister for Environment explained that the project was initiated with appropriate drawings and designs to ensure proper execution.
The Council was also briefed on the policy recommendations from the 17th Nigerian Economic Summit which was jointly organised by the Nigerian Economic Society Group and the National Planning Commission. The Council, after deliberations, approved the recommendations of the summit.
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Dredging Today Staff, April 6, 2012;