A Chinese Engineering firm, Zhonghao Construction has taken possession of the site for the construction of 40km Concrete Canal Lining at the lower Anambra Irrigation Project.
The project was awarded at the cost of N3.9 billion.
Handing over the site to the firm at Umumbo, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Nnamdi Onukwuba urged the contractor to expedite action in order to ensure completion of the project at scheduled duration of within one year.
Mr Onukwuba was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Stephanie Keri-Uzo.
The commissioner said that the completion of the project would enable farmers to farm three times annually.
“Utilisation of the 3,850 plots in the farm will change the livelihood of the farmers.”
Onukwuba emphasised that the project was attracted to the state because of Gov. Willie Obiano’s, who was known for regular payment of counterpart contributions.
He commended the Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda Special Project (ATASP) and African Development Bank for funding the project.
The Zonal Project Coordinator of ATASP, Mr Romanus Egba enjoined the host communities to provide maximum security to the contractor as well as ensure the security of equipment and materials of the firm.
He urged the contractor to carry the community along by employing them as adhoc workers during their operations, advising the indigenes to show diligence and humility whenever called upon for work.
Responding on behalf of the constructing firm, Mr Pae Bae, an Engineer promised to work seriously to deliver on schedule and according to specifications.
Mr Bae pledged to carry along the host communities during their operations, promising to use the youthful indigenes as casual labourers at the site.
Project Manager of Diyokes, Consultants supervising the project, Mr Chukwuemeka Okonkwo pledged to maintain regular supervision to ensure quality work delivery.
Presidents-General of Omor and Umumbo communities, Chief Mike Nebeife and Mr Anthony Nnamah pledged their communities’ support and assured safety of the contractor and their equipment.
Meanwhile, the engineering firm had already mobilised to site and would commence full operations by September.
