Okpanam Erosion: Delta Sets Aside ₦1 Billion, Spends ₦300 Million On Project Designs
By GEORGETTE CHIDI
THE Delta State Government has committed ₦1 billion in counterpart funding to support erosion-control projects in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, as preparations advance for major civil works expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
The intervention, under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project-European Investment Bank (NEWMAP-EIB), will target erosion-prone areas around Igwogwo, Amachai/Ogbeozoma and Vanguard/Airport Area. The projects aim to reduce environmental damage and protect residents, infrastructure and livelihoods.
Commissioner for Environment and Chairman of the State NEWMAP-EIB Steering Committee, Hon. Moses Ogodo, disclosed the funding commitment during a joint meeting of the project’s steering and technical committees in Asaba.
According to him, the state has also spent ₦300 million on engineering designs for two approved erosion sites. These financial commitments form part of the preparations required before contractors can begin construction.
However, the project must undergo further technical review. Ogodo explained that the government was processing the engagement of a supervising engineering consultancy firm to examine and revalidate the designs before appointing contractors.
Consequently, the consultancy review will help establish the technical requirements for the proposed works at Amachai/Ogbeozoma and Vanguard/Airport Area. The commissioner said the government expected civil construction to commence within the first quarter of 2027.
Meanwhile, the state is taking steps to provide assistance before the major construction phase begins. Ogodo assured residents that the government and its development partner would introduce palliative measures at the Igwogwo and Vanguard erosion sites to address immediate concerns.
His assurance followed a presentation by the State Project Coordinator, Mr. Benedict Nwaokocha, who outlined the severity of erosion in the affected communities.
Nwaokocha said the project team had completed key preparatory studies, including the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP). These studies are intended to guide environmental safeguards, public disclosure and compensation for people affected by the projects.
He also sought to reassure residents who fear that the intervention could be abandoned. According to him, preparatory activities had continued before the project’s formal launch in Abuja on 30 September 2025. He further cited Delta State’s hosting of a national NEWMAP-EIB workshop in Asaba as evidence of ongoing implementation efforts.
In addition, the project has advertised consultancy services to engage a focal non-governmental organisation to support intervention sites and Project Affected Persons. The state has also initiated the process of engaging a security consultant.
Ogodo commended residents who have undertaken self-help measures to limit erosion damage. He added that the Ministry of Environment, the project team and members of the steering and technical committees were working towards implementation.
Nevertheless, the success of the intervention will depend on completing the remaining procurement and technical processes, providing timely support to affected residents and beginning construction as scheduled.
For communities in Okpanam, the proposed works represent an important opportunity to address persistent erosion threats. Residents will now be watching for visible palliative measures, transparent compensation arrangements and progress towards the planned 2027 construction timetable.
