The federal government has inaugurated a N420 million 625-metre canal constructed by the National-Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) in Koton Karfe, Kogi.

George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), inaugurated the project on Thursday in Koton Karfe, with a call on the people to ensure its maintenance.

Mr Akume, represented by his chief of staff, Simon Tyungu, said that the Koton Karfe Flood Control Project stands as a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.

He commended the management team of N-HYPPADEC, especially the managing director, Abubakar Yelwa, for their tireless efforts in ensuring the successful completion of the project, which began last year.

The SGF said: “With the inauguration of this critical infrastructure, and the commitment of the commission to replicate efforts like this in other flood-prone communities, we can look forward to a future where the spectre of devastating floods no longer looms over our communities.

“Nevertheless, the completion of this project is just the beginning of our journey towards a safer and more secure future.

“It is incumbent upon each and every member of this community to actively participate in the maintenance and upkeep of this infrastructure.

“I urge all community and traditional leaders here present, as well as youth organisations, to remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring that the flood control measures remain effective and operational.”

Earlier, Mr Yelwa said that the canal spans a total length of 625 metres, comprising various components and an integrated line stretching 499.5 metres, complemented by an earth drain of 125.5 metres.

“Intersecting those drains are four double cell culverts, strategically placed to facilitate water flow toward preventing flood in communities,” he said.

The managing director pointed out that the project was a comprehensive flood control solution to address the recurrent floods plaguing Koton Karfe.

He said that through meticulous assessment and in-depth analysis, the commission identified the root cause of the flooding, – unchecked flow of water from hills upstream, exacerbated by natural topographical features.

In his remarks, Gov. Usman Ododo thanked the federal government and N-HYPPADEC for the project, which said would go a long way in preserving the lives and property of members of the community.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Joel Oyibo, said that the state government had embarked on several erosion measures in some local government areas as part of efforts to address the devastating effects of floods across the state.

Mr Ododo also urged members of the community to ensure that they maintain and protect all infrastructures provided by the government and other well meaning organisations.

Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Koton Karfe, Dr Saidu Salihu, the Ohimege-Igu appreciated the federal government and N-HYPPADEC for the intervention that has brought relief to his subjects from fear of impending flood.

The traditional ruler gave assurances the people would work to ensure the preservation of the canal.

He, however, appealed for the construction of a similar canal in the northern end of the community to address the cases of flood in that axis.

“This is because, leaving the northern part will spell doom for this canal down south of our community. We plead for consideration of this impending danger, ” he said.

(NAN)