World Bank Earmarks N2bn For Erosion Control In Imo

The World Bank says
it has earmarked more than N2 billion to tackle erosion in Imo.
The Sector Manager on Environment and Climate Change Matters, World Bank African Region, Mr Beniot Bosquet, disclosed this in Owerri.
A statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media to Governor Rochas Okorocha, Mr Sam Onwuemeodo,  quoted Bosquet  as making the pledge when his team paid courtesy visit on the governor.
The statement said the fund was approved to tackle erosion at Umueshi in Ideato South, Ihioma-Ogbaeruru in Orlu and Eziala Obizi in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Areas.
Other erosion sites are Ezem Azu Uruala in Ideato North and Umuezealaibe in Isu Njaba Local Government, which the statement said, were awaiting approval by the World Bank.
It quoted Bosquet as saying that the Nigeria Erosion and Water Shade Management Project (NEWMAP) was set up by the bank in conjunction with the Federal Government.
The joint efforts, the statement said, were to tackle environment and climate change issues in the South East.
Bosquet called on the Imo Government to support the intervention through the payment of its N400 million counterpart fund in order to access the approved amount.
The governor expressed gratitude to the World Bank team for its interest in the development of the state.
He said the state would pay part of its counterpart fund to ensure that the work commenced in earnest.

Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (Asuu), Enugu State University of Scienece and Technology (Esut), Prof. Gab Agu and other Asuu members, signing the condolence register in honour of the late former Asuu President, Prof. Festus Iyayi, at Esut permanent site, Agbani in Enugu last Wednesday.
Photo: NAN