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The Federal Government has inaugurated the Idye flood control, dyke project at Nyiman, Makurdi spanning a distance of 1.2 kilometres to tackle perennial flooding and address erosion in Makurdi, Benue State capital.
Makurdi, the state capital, has continued to experience severe flooding virtually every year causing havoc on homes, farmlands and properties with economic consequences.
To address this, the Federal Government through National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has constructed and completed a dyke spanning a distance of 1.2 kilometres from BIPC quarters to Naka road in Makurdi.
Performing the ceremony, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume represented by the Hon. Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, explained that the project was part of efforts by the Federal Government to address flooding and promote environmental conservation in Benue and other parts of the country which was why the Federal Government through N-HYPPADEC carried out a number of flood control projects in Makurdi, Koton Karfe in Kogi State that were being inaugurated.
He said the project is a shining example of what could be achieved when government at all levels, agencies, private sector and local communities come together with a shared purpose.
Senator Akume expressed hope that the project would not only protect the environment and infrastructure but also safeguard the lives and livelihoods of countless individuals who call the area home.
He acknowledged the support of the Benue State government and its people for ensuring the successful execution of the project and called on the host communities to ensure that the infrastructure remains resilient and effective to tackle future challenges.
He appealed to the Benue people to continue to pray and support the policies and programmes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to derive more benefits.
The Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Abubakar Yelwa, decried the devastating effects of flooding, saying 18,349 houses and farmlands were destroyed while a total of 134,797 people were displaced in 2022.
He said, “For years, the residents ofMakurdi and other parts of Benue State have endured annual flooding that has consumed thousands of homes and farmlands, displacing numerous families.
"The 2022 Benue floods were even more tragic. In 2022, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency reported that the floods consumed about 18,349 houses and farmlands, displacing a total of 134,797 people.
“This staggering impact shows the urgent need to take decisive action to safeguard the communities and the livelihoods of people in the state.
“Successive governments at both federal and state levels have made frantic efforts to manage this crisis and mitigate its impact on the people and the environment.”
Benue State Governor, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia, represented by his Deputy, Barrister Sam Odeh, said the project was not just a necessity but a beacon of hope given the flood that has continued to ravage the area.
He thanked the Federal Government for its support and steps being taken to address flooding in Benue and other parts of the country.
