Ikpeazu seeks World Bank’s assistance in tackling erosion

Abia State, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has solicited the assistance of the World Bank in tackling the problem of erosion that is ravaging the state.

He made this request when a team of the World Bank on Federal Government of Nigeria Newmap called on him, adding that the state alone could no longer handle the over 1200 erosion sites in the state.

According to him, erosion poses a disturbing threat to the state and there is urgent action to save the state from the impending dangers, especially as the rains set in.

He particularly called for quick solution to the perennial flooding at  Ndiegoro area of Aba, the commercial hub of the state  which, he said, had become a disaster area.

He restated the preparedness of the  state government  to partner the World Bank, FGN Newmap team in tackling erosion challenges facing the state.

Speaking earlier, the task team leader of the world bank, FGN Newmap team, Dr.Amos Abu, explained that  the initiative was a joint project between world bank, the Federal Government, and the states implementing the Nigeria erosion and watershed management initiative, adding that Abia is one of the pioneer states.

He said the team was intensifying efforts to reduce the vulnerability of the people to the menace of erosion.

The team leader appealed to the state to pay its counterpart funding to the team as well as select the most vulnerable erosion sites for immediate attention.

He expressed the willingness of the team to tackle erosion in the state provided the government cooperated by paying its counterpart funding.