Federal Government is to commence phase two of the dredging and channelisation projects of rivers across the country.
The Permanent Secretary, Ecological Project Office, Federal Ministry of Environment, Shehu Ibrahim stated this in Kwara during an inspection of Asa River/Isale Koko Erosion and Flood Control Projects.
He said contractors would soon start to expand the project.
The Phase Two project would also focus on expanding Rivers at Amilegbe and Post Office Areas to ease flow of water when it starts to rain, Mr Ibrahim explained.
He cited as an example the dredging of Asa River, which used to be flooded during the rainy season and has brought positive changes in the last one year following the intervention of the Federal Government.
He assured the public that the project would commence within the next three weeks before the onset of the rainy season, especially given predictions by the Nigeria Metrological Agency on possible heavy rainfall this year.
Mr Ibrahim, however, decried the attitude of some people who, he said, still dump refuse into the rivers, warning them to desist from such acts as anyone caught will be dealt with by appropriate authorities.
Contractor handling the project, Bello El-rufai, said the canal, which is about 40 kilometres, would be completed within 18 months.
Ali Muhammad Rabiu
