By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The Delta State Government has renewed its call for the speedy commencement of erosion control and climate adaptation projects under the European Investment Bank-assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation–Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), as participants of the ongoing NEWMAP-EIB Joint Mission-GoN-UNOPS-FPMU-SPIUs Capacity Building Project Implementation Workshop paid a courtesy visit to the Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Ejiro Tommy Jamani, in Asaba.
The delegation was led by the National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, Anda Ayuba Yalaks, alongside key officials of the United Nations Office for Project Services and representatives of partner institutions.
Welcoming the delegation, Hon. Jamani apologised for his absence at the opening session of the workshop, explaining that ongoing political party primaries had occupied his schedule as a coalition officer moving across local government areas in the state.
He, however, expressed appreciation to the organisers for choosing Delta State as host of the mission, describing the visit as a major source of renewed hope for residents of erosion-ravaged communities in the state.
According to him, communities such as Obosoma and Amachai have continued to suffer devastating environmental challenges while awaiting the commencement of intervention projects.
The commissioner noted that the state government had spent years sensitising affected communities on the procedural requirements necessary before project implementation could begin.
He said the arrival of the joint mission team had reassured the government and residents that the long-awaited intervention would soon become a reality.
Jamani appealed to UNOPS and other development partners to expedite all necessary processes to ensure the immediate take-off of the projects, stressing that climate change impacts were becoming increasingly severe and unpredictable.
“We are begging UNOPS and all stakeholders to see how the process can be fast-tracked because our people are suffering seriously.
Every day the erosion site expands and the affected residents continue to cry out to government for action,” he said.
The commissioner added that the Delta State Government remained committed to fulfilling promises made to the people and would continue collaborating with all relevant agencies to ensure successful project delivery.
Earlier, Engr. Yalaks said the mission to Delta State was aimed at reviewing implementation guidelines, strengthening institutional capacity and exposing international partners to the realities of erosion and climate-related challenges confronting communities in the state.
He explained that the workshop was also designed to equip project personnel with the technical knowledge and operational capacity required for effective implementation of the NEWMAP-EIB initiative.
According to him, over 270 participants were attending the first phase of the training programme, while additional sessions would be held subsequently to accommodate more stakeholders.
Yalaks stated that the mission would also provide an opportunity for the visiting experts to inspect existing erosion intervention sites executed under the former World Bank-supported NEWMAP project and assess emerging erosion threats requiring urgent attention.
He noted that the engagement with UNOPS and development partners would help accelerate technical clearances and procurement processes needed for project implementation.
“We cannot begin implementation without building the capacity, spirit and technical strength of those who will manage and utilise the project resources. That is why this training is very important,” he said.
The National Project Coordinator assured the commissioner that the project team would deliver on its mandate, adding that lessons from the successful implementation of World Bank-assisted NEWMAP projects would serve as a strong foundation for the EIB-supported initiative.
In his remarks, the Senior Project Manager of UNOPS, Donato Serena, assured the Delta State Government of the organisation’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the project in line with European Investment Bank guidelines.
Serena explained that UNOPS’ role was not only to ensure compliance with procurement, engineering, environmental and financial regulations but also to support Nigeria in achieving the objectives of the project.
“Our role is support. If the project fails, we fail because we are all on the same boat. We understand the urgency and the huge needs, not only in Delta State but across all participating states,” he said.
He added that UNOPS experts were fully engaged and would continue working closely with the national and state project teams to recover lost time and fast-track implementation processes.
The courtesy visit formed part of activities lined up for the ongoing NEWMAP-EIB Joint Mission and Capacity Building Workshop holding in Asaba, Delta State.
The courtesy visit to the Delta State Commissioner for Environment culminated in an inspection tour of erosion control and environmental intervention projects executed under the NEWMAP framework in Owanta Community, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, where members of the NEWMAP-EIB Joint Mission, alongside officials of GoN, UNOPS, FPMU and SPIUs, assessed ongoing environmental challenges and previous remediation efforts in the area.