The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources has signed an agreement with some Chinese consortia on Master Plan for Training and Flood Control in the River Niger.
The partnership, which is aimed at creating sustainable economy for the people of Nigeria, is in part one of its phase one.
They are: CRBE Consortium of China Railway Beijing Engineering Group Company Ltd, China Water Resources Pearl River Planning, Surveying and Designing Company Limited.
Minister of Water Resources, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, signed on behalf of the Federal Government and the representatives of the CRBE Consortium, Mr Endre Deri and Ferenc Viragh, signed on behalf of the Corporation.
Adamu stated that the main objectives of the technical agreement include retraining and utilising the waters within Nigeria in the tributaries and the two main rivers; controlling extreme floods, erosion and sediment transportation.
He said: “Others are enhanced complex flood protection by Green and Complex Reservoirs Leeves, Flood Detention Reservoirs, retaining and releasing the detained floods as and when necessary for navigation.
“It also includes developing inland water transport by river training measures including maintenance dredging; building an integral flood monitoring system and protecting the natural landscape and habitat.”
On financing of the project, the minister reiterated that serious discussions were ongoing on how to source for a loan.
He reiterated that the devastating flood incident of year 2022 necessitated the project partnership and timely so as to mitigate the flood incidents that led to loss of lives and properties.
Adamu said that President Muhammadu Buhari, through his ministry, had laid a workable foundation for the successful take-off of the project.
He, however, urged the incoming administration to leverage on the good work that had been done.
By Tosin Kolade
