Kwara state government has today, April 13 begun the dredging of the Asa river to prevent notorious annual flood.
A statement from the Commissioner of Environment, Arc. Aliyu Muhammad Saifuddeen signed by the press secretary of Ministry of Environment, Bolashade Yusuf says that the contract which will span a length of over four kilometers across the river is expected to get rid of all obstacles hampering the smooth flow of the river.
The statement obtained reads in part, “The government of His Excellency, the governor of Kwara State Mall. AbdulRahman AbdulRazak has today the 13th of April 2020 begun the dredging of the Asa River.
“The contract which will span a length of over four kilometres across the river is expected to get rid of all obstacles hampering the smooth flow of the river. Accordingly, the notorious annual flood at various points especially at the bridges will certainly be a thing of the past.”
The Commissioner disclosed that barring unforeseen circumstances, in a matter of few weeks; at most four, the job would be completed.
He added that his ministry will ensure that the contractor is given the maximum cooperation and supervision to achieve the best service possible in the shortest period of time. This according to him is the surest and the only way to value for money.
Saifuddeen maintained that henceforth, the river will enjoy regular maintenance away from the previous neglect to give it a pride of place as an objectect of beauty the total landscape of the entire city. “The river is of course an ornament of beauty for the city.
He concluded by calling on the inhabitants of the flood plains across the river bank to quit with immediate effect. He also warned those who have formed the habit of throwing refuse in the river to desist forthwith as defaulters will be prosecuted if caught.
In conclusion, he asked both the contractors and the neighbours of the river to cooperate together in ensuring a hitch free job execution for timely delivery.
