The federal government has commissioned the Idye flood control, Dyke project at Nyiman, Makurdi, aimed at tackling perennial flooding and addressing erosion in Makurdi, the Benue state capital.
Benue state and Makurdi in particular has continued to experience severe flooding every year causing havoc on homes, farmlands and properties with economic consequences.
To address this, the federal government through the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has constructed and completed a dyke spanning a distance of 1.2kilometres from BIPC quarters to Naka Road in Makurdi.
A statement by the personal assistant on Media and Publicity to the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr Terhemen Oraduen Friday in Abuja said the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who was represented by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, that the project was part of efforts by the government to address flooding and promote environmental conservation in Benue and other parts of Nigeria.
He said the project is a shining example of what can be achieved when government at all levels, agencies, private sector and local communities come together with a shared purpose.
Senator Akume acknowledged the support of the Benue state government for ensuring the successful execution of the project and called on the host communities to ensure that the infrastructure remains resilient and effective to tackle future challenges.
The Benue state governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, represented by his deputy, Barrister Sam Odeh, said the project was not just a necessity but a beacon of hope given the flood that has continued to ravage the area.
