World Bank’s N100b erosion project cash

The World Bank said yesterday that it would begin a review of the $5000 million (about N100billion) Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) in the country from January 5 next year.


The review, it said would enable it to advance implementation of the project in the country.
Its Project Team Lead, Dr. Amos Abu, who spoke when he visited the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja yesterday, added that the review would also enable the bank to know the social and environmental issues associated with the project.
The bank, through NEWMAP, had committed the $500 million to the management of erosion in seven states of Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, and Imo with an eight year project life span.

Dr. Abu said the bank would also be revealing designs for the new sites where the projects are ongoing, adding that it would discuss with government and agree with the modalities for the review of the project.
He added that the midterm reveal would enable the bank to know areas where cost adjustment was needed.

In her response, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Fatima Mede, said  seven more states of Gombe, Sokoto, Kano, Kogi, Plateau, Oyo, Delta had indicated interested to join the erosion project.
She said: “NEWMAP was specifically designed to support the country in addressing the age long and yet worsening problem of erosion and land degradation and reduce vulnerability to ravaging gully erosion in the targeted watershed.

“The project which was approved by World Bank Board in May 12, 2012, is also to support the country in achieving greater environmental and economic security.”
Mede said implementation had started in 21 gully erosion sites across the first seven states after compulsory payment of compensation to project affected persons (PAPs).
She said: “I wish to use this opportunity to appreciate the participating state governors for their support especially in the release of counterpart fund which made possible the payment of compensation to PAPs.

“As a matter of fact, it may interest you all that a total number of about 500 PAPs have benefited from the payment of compensation. Equally notable is the job opportunities the project has provided to more than 300 Nigerians.”

Credit: The Nation