The Federal Government has released N11.5 billion for the remediation of 11 out of the 15 soil erosion and flood control projects in the South East zone.
Mrs Ibukun Odusote, the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja.
She said this while handing over documents for the commencement of work to contractors and consultants selected by the government to handle the projects.
She described the projects as ``very important and crucial'' in saving the lives of the people in the affected area.
She said that contract for the projects were approved by the Federal Government in 2009.
Odusote explained that due to the delay in executing the projects, the erosion had magnified over the years, compelling the consultants to conduct new survey of the sites.
``The funds (for the projects) had already been released into the account of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) .
``The money is already available; it is not being sourced from any where,'' she said.
Out of the 15 sites earmarked for remediation, Odusote said that three were located in Abia, five in Anambra, one in Ebonyi, three in Enugu and three in Imo.
She said that the work was expected to be completed between six and 24 months.
The permanent secretary urged the project consultants, executing agencies and contractors to take their respective functions seriously and ensure that the projects were executed on schedule and according to specifications.
She warned that the era of undue delays in the execution of of projects and requests for frivolous extension of time for completion would no longer be tolerated.
She also urged the consultants to brace up for the task ahead as they were expected to submit monthly reports on their projects.
In his remark, Mr. Joel Mekwunye, the Director, Soil Erosion and Flood Control Department in the office, noted that the menace of erosion in the south east was peculiar and required expert handling.
``Your appointment signifies the confidence the office reposes in your ability, competence and commitment to deliver,” he said.
NAN reports that though 15 erosion sites were approved for remediation, funding was released for 11 sites.
Work on the remaining four sites would commence after approval by the Federal Executive Council.
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