The Kogi State government has compensated owners of property along the bank of River Niger. Presenting cheques to the 29 beneficiaries in Lokoja yesterday, the Commissioner for Environment, Stephen Aremu, said the gesture was to enable government commence the construction of an embankment along the River Niger.
He said the construction was in fulfilment of the federal government’s promise during the 2012 flood in the state.
He said the embankment was supposed to commenced in October last year, but that government decided to give occupants of the area time to relocate.
“As you are collecting your money today, I urge you to relocate from the area so that the project can commence in earnest. The money is meant for your business and not for enjoyment. The project stretches from marine to Kabawa area along the River Niger bank in Lokoja,” he said.
While calling on the people to cooperate with government, he said the project is in two phases and that the first phase which has ten months completion period would be flagged off in two weeks.
One of the beneficiaries, Adama Yusuf, commended the government for the gesture, saying it would aid the relocation process.
