Dr Chukwuemeka Agbasi, Managing Director (MD), Federal Emergency Road Management Agency (FERMA), on Thursday inaugurated “Operation Desilt Water Channels” to checkmate erosion in Kogi.
Speaking during the inauguration at Ajegu, along the Itobe-Ayangba road in Ajaokuta Local Government of Kogi, Agbasi cautioned against indiscriminate dumping of refuge in drainages along the highways.
The Agency’s boss was in Kogi for a one-day working visit.
The MD had visited the ongoing project “Reinstatement of critical washout and failed section” along the Okene-Ajaokuta-Itobe Road, assessing progress and expressing satisfaction with the work done.
The visit, according to him, was aimed at engaging the state in meaningful discussion with staff, inspect ongoing projects, and inaugurate the new initiative, operation desilt water channels in the state
“We can’t have the drainages blocked with refuge and expect the roads not to be exposed to erosion and potholes.
“It’s the duty of communities to ensure that the drainages are free for water passage and safety of our roads in order to avoid road traffic crashes.
“This is a vital initiative designed to mitigate the impact of flooding on federal roads in Kogi.
“The overall objective is to reduce flood risk and enhance road safety by clearing hydraulic structures and improving drainage systems across critical sections of Federal Roads in Kogi.
“This innovative programme will engage youths from the host community to remove silt and sediment from drainage channels and bridges across federal roads in the state.
“By doing so, it will not only empower them to contribute to the development and safety of their own community but also foster community participation and inclusiveness in the programme’s success,” he said
The FERMA Chief Executive Officer, added: “Also, safety is the top priority when working on site more so that vehicles do pass by on the roads under repairs.”
Agbasi, who disclosed that he planned to digitise and improve the agency’s workflow, assured the workers of his commitment to provide inclusive training to address their needs.
NAN reports that the MD was accompanied in the inauguration and supervision by Director West Operation, Mr Agboade Adewunmi and the Kogi Federal Road Maintenance Engineer, Mr Muktar Abdulrahim amongst other officials.