In a bid to tackle flood and erosion menace in the state, Delta State government has confirmed collaboration with World Bank and the payment of N530 million counterpart funding.

Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa stated this while launching the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) at the Unity hall, in Asaba.

NEWMAP, which is an interventionist programme is assisted by the world bank in collaboration with the Delta State government, and under the auspices of the Federal Government.

“The programme is designed to check gully erosion and flood. It is being launched here at the Unity hall, Asaba, following the confirmation of a payment of the sum of N530 million as counterpart funding to tackle environmental issues,” he said.

The remediation intervention projects of NEWMAP, according to the governor will commence in five communities namely Midona, Boji, Boji Owa, Ika North East Local Government Area; Obomkpa and Ukwu-Nzu in Aniocha North Local Government Area; Ubulu Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area and Jesse, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta state.

The representative of the World Bank at the event, Mr Amos Abu said 80 percent of the project is the procurement stage.

“However, the procedures are very clear and transparent. Let me make it clear that the World Bank does not award contracts but the due process must be followed in awarding contracts project.”

Governor Okowa in his address everyone to be involved in the monitoring of projects to ensure transparency and accountability.

“The world bank has really impacted on our people and we will continue to come to the table with accountability. For us in Delta State, we all should be involved in the monitoring of projects; if the contractor is doing well, praise him, but, if the project is not well executed, shout about it and it will be corrected.”