By Tosin Oluwafemi and Mary Ayobahan
The Nigeria erosion and watershed management project, NEWMAP have been applauded for restoring the socio-economic and cultural activities at Igbei in Auchi within Etsako west local government area of Edo state.
The area which had major flood and drainage problems caused by rapid urbanization had experienced increased peak
flows; obstruction of natural flood plains as a result of undersized and nonexistent drainage system.
The once bubbling polytechnic and residential town which pride itself as a cultural and social economic hub became a shadow of its former self due to the yearly flood and erosion problem that ravaged the community.
The interventions of NEWMAP in the community have led to a restoration and boost of its socio-economic and cultural life as other major side projects were initiated.
In dealing with Igbei flood scourge, the NEWMAP team led by Dr Tom Obaseki embarked on the construction of two Flood Detention Ponds and a long stretch of adequate concrete channels and Box Culverts all the way from the Auchi-Okene Highway, through to Mat Ice/Otaru
Road to link a major Storm Water outlet earlier constructed during the Phase One of the project Oshiobugie Flood and Gully remediation works.
Consequently, the sports centre at Igbei was rehabilitated and furnished with new seats and rest rooms. A solar powered borehole was also erected to serve the facility and it’s neighboring communities.
The Otaru of Auchi Kingdom, His Highness Alhaji Aliru H. Momoh, while receiving the NEWMAP team at his palace scored the project 100 percent noting that the Governor Obaseki led administration kept to his word by delivering an excellent work in record time.
