The Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) has begun the construction of a N220 million erosion control drainage system along the Lokoja-Abuja road in Kogi to mitigate flooding.

“This is sequel to the yearly flooding that has been ravaging the highways around Koton Karfe in Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi,” HYPPADEC managing director Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, said in Koton Karfe, Kogi.

Speaking at the official handing over of the erosion control project site to the contractors, Atimpsuda Integrated Services Limited, Mr Sadiq-Yelwa said the project addressed the hardship motorists and commuters encountered during the rainy season.

“This project is part of HYPPADEC efforts toward addressing the perennial flooding of the Lokoja-Abuja highway and highly flood-prone Koton-Karfe communities in Kogi,” stated the commission’s boss. “It is pathetic that year in, and year out, commuters and motorists, as well as members of the Koton-Karfe community, have continued to suffer untold hardship with loss of lives, property and means of livelihood to flooding.”

HYPPADEC boss added, “It is also our hope that this silt-removing erosion control project covering about 500m, awarded at the cost of N220 million to Atimpsuda Integrated Services Limited, will bring an end to the unfortunate hardships.”

Mr Sadiq-Yelwa assured Kogi people that the project would be completed within eight weeks.

Victor Omofaiye, the commissioner for the environment, expressed gratitude for the pragmatic step taken by HYPPADEC to help address the flooding experienced around Koton Karfe.

(NAN)