Date: 2013-05-13

The Chairman Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki representing Kwara Central Senatorial District has expressed his delight on the progress of the ongoing erosion control project in Abata Asunkere, Alore area of Ilorin in Kwara State.

Dr Bukola Saraki during one of his constituency visit to the area had earlier identified the Alore area of Asunkere as an erosion prone area which portrays environmental danger to the community.

The Senator further decried the structural arrangement of the building as they are clustered together which impedes the free flow of water and prevents proper storm water discharge. He also cited the elevation pattern of the area as a source of worry for the community, as heap of refuse is dumped on the site indiscriminately.

Senator Saraki's timely intervention has brought relief to the area by Federal Government commencing rehabilitation of the area. The project has brought succour to the people of Abata Asunkere community. So far, the refuse dump heap has been leveled and carted away by the contractor to allow it design a desirable elevation for proper water discharge from the area. Also, the Contractor has successfully provided an adequate water drainage system at the main road on Alore/Babaita road where the water channel from the affected area would be connected to.

The Distinguished Senator has commended the contractor for speeding up the project before the rain commences fully while expressing optimism that efforts will be made to secure additional funds to carry on with the 2nd Phase of the project.

Senator Saraki further assured the people of Ilorin West and indeed the entire Kwarans of his commitment to their welfare and stated that government is working hard to establish projects tailored towards the needs of the community. He urged the people of Abata/Asunkere to continue to cooperate with the project workers and shun activities that will endanger their lives by avoiding erosion prone areas stressing that the whole objective was to create a safer environment for the citizens and the affected community at large.

Senate committee on Environment and Ecology has also invited the Minister of Environment to brief the committee on the steps being put in place to proactively address the high forecast of rain for the year to prevent flooding. The minister is expected to appear at Senate committee meeting on Tuesday 14th of May 2013

Signed,
Bamikole Omishore