Anambra has been named among the beneficiary states of the Nigeria Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project intervention, aimed at addressing erosion and land degradation in the country.

Anda Ayuba-Yalaks, national project coordinator of NEWMAP, alongside the Federal Project Management Unit, disclosed this at the end of a three-day assessment tour of five erosion sites in the state.

According to Mr Ayuba-Yalaks, the intervention project will be implemented through the European Investment Bank following the payment of the state’s N500 million counterpart fund by Governor Charles Soludo.

“The delegation conducted an on-the-spot assessment of five uncompleted erosion sites within the state in collaboration with the Anambra government,” he said.

The sites are Ndi Agu, Ikenga Ogidi, Nkpor Flyover, Ugamuma Obosi, and Abagana.

“This project aims to provide long-term sustainable land degradation control measures and support the state project management unit in accelerating implementation,” Mr Ayuba-Yalaks said.

He stated that best practices and interventions would be explored to mitigate erosion challenges in Anambra.

Commending Mr Soludo for fulfilling his promise to pay the counterpart fund, Mr Ayuba-Yalaks noted that the importance of the intervention could not be overemphasised.

Philip Phil-Eze, the state project coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, explained that the federal government had specifically directed that priority be given to completing the five sites left unfinished by the World Bank-assisted project.

“New erosion sites will only be addressed after the completion of the existing ones,” said Mr Phil-Eze.

He said, “Governor Soludo considers erosion a major threat to the people of Anambra and is committed to tackling the issue. All necessary support will be provided to ensure the successful implementation of these projects.”

(NAN)