Delta approves N204.8m funding for EU-assisted water projects

Delta State government has approved the payment of N204.8 million counterpart contribution for the funding of water components of the EU-assisted Niger Delta Support Programme (NDSP).

Okenmor Fidelis Tilije, the state commissioner for water resources development, said at the bi-annual meeting of the steering committee in charge of the project in Asaba.

Tilije said out of N404.8 million expected as state, participating LGAs and benefitting communities’ share of the fund, the state government had so far released N200 million.

The commissioner added that the counterpart funding was expected to generate EU counterpart funding of over N1 billion in physical procurement and human capital development.

According to Tilije, the commitment is to ensure that Deltans have access to clean, potable water, increase access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene, especially in the rural areas.

He further disclosed that the state government would before the end of next month approve the balance payment of N204.8 million to complete its own share, participating local government areas and benefitting communities.

The commissioner posited that by the contribution, benefitting local governments and communities do not have to pay any money as part of their counterpart fund.

While presenting the progress report of the technical assisted team component of the NDSP on water and sanitation, Raymond Yavbieri, project director, said the entire budget of the water component of the project was €65,800,00.

 IDRIS UMAR MOMOH