- Poor waste management, storm water run-off, inadequate drainage channels cause of gullies in Kogi – Barr. Jatto
The environmental and social safeguards team of the World Bank has says risk management is an essential aspect of project implementation.
The team, led by Mr. Lucky Erhaze and Mr. Elijah Siakpere, made this known after concluding its 2-day handholding mission to Kogi state.
The experts were in Kogi State to oversee workplace safety and ensure that the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and Occupational Health Safety (OHS) standards for all project sites are adhered to, as a way of preventing workplace mishaps.
The World Bank team explained that they were in the State to assist in strengthening environmental safeguards and occupational health safety at construction sites. They emphasized that adequate risk management must be always enforced.
The Kogi State Project Coordinator, Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto, while welcoming the team to Etahi, Okene gully stabilization site, and Omigbo water channelization in Kabba, stated that storm water run-off from the rocky hills in Okene, poor waste management and inadequate drainage channels are main causes of the devastating gullies that had destroyed lives and properties in these communities for decades.
“The two-year contract was signed in July 2024; 12 months later, in OMIGBO, we have reached 94% and Etahi 80% completed; and to achieve this, we adhered to the ESMP and OHS guidelines” Barr. Jatto said.
The Project Coordinator also used the opportunity to thank Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, whom she described as a lover of environmental protection, for his administration’s continued support in ensuring the absolute success of all projects in Kogi state.
She equally thanked the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun, his support which has made project implementation smooth and unhindered.
After undertaking a tour of the Etahi and Omigbo sites, the visiting team commended the contractor for adhering to proper usage of PPE, as well as maintaining an organized, clean and healthy site yard.
They equally acknowledged the Project Coordinator’s efforts in ensuring proper coordination, which has birthed great teamwork spirit at the SPMU. They encouraged the SPMU not to rest on its oars, as consistent supervision and monitoring of contractors’ activities on site holds the key to project success and sustainability.
