Min. of Environment, Finance inspect erosion sites in Ideato, Ikeduru

Alex Ibeh

The Federal Ministries of Environment and Finance were in Imo State on Tuesday
to Inspect some Communities been threatened by ecological degradation.

The Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Barr Major Ejikeme Emenike who received and led the joint delegation visited Ideato and Ikeduru local government Areas.

Speaking during the visit, the Commissioner for Environment, Sir Major Ejikeme Emenike reiterated the Imo State Government’s readiness to work with relevant federal agencies to address the ecological threat ravaging many communities especially Ideato nation and Ikeduru local government Areas.

Emenike disclosed that the tour aimed at efforts of the federal and state-level synergy to mitigate environmental degradation, prevent disaster, and promote sustainable development in the state

He urged communities to support and protect ecological projects when executed.

The inspection tour in Ikeduru focused on the Ugirike Erosion Site and the Inyishi Dam,

The Chairman of Ikeduru local government Area Hon. Justice Nze who received the team said the Ugirike erosion site, had long been identified as a major ecological threat, that continually endanger residential homes, roads, and farmlands.
He added that Inyishi Dam held significant potential for water supply, agricultural irrigation, and rural electrification.

Nze further commended the efforts of His Excellency, Sen Hope Uzodinma, the Executive Governor of Imo State for bringing the dividends of democracy to Ikeduru in particular and Imo State at large. He also appraised the synergy between the Imo State government and the federal government, expressing optimism that the collaborative approach by the team would fast-track intervention processes. This is even as he called for an urgency of addressing the erosion menace while drawing all attentions to Inyishi Dam for public benefit.

Those who made the team included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Chukwuma Iheanacho and a team of Engineers from both federal and Imo State Governments, joint delegation from the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Ecological Fund Office, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Federal Ministry of Finance were present to evaluate the funding mechanisms, ensure transparency, and assess the feasibility of future ecological projects under the Ecological Fund Scheme.

The tour aimed at addressing pressing ecological challenges in the Southeast.