News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
As part of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) celebrations, ELIM Christian Vocational Training Centre sensitized the people of Benue State especially Gwer West on proper sanitation practices, emphasizing drainage clearance to control erosion.
On Monday, ELIM organized a road walk which had CDRCs, comprising people living with disabilities as participants, who trekked from Naka roundabout to the Local Government Secretariat.
The Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Victor Torsar Ormin, represented by Deputy Chairman, Hon. Mrs. Juliana Mngusuun Wasega, applauded ELIM’s initiative and pledged council’s support.
In her address, ERCC Project Coordinator, Rachel Achimba, represented by project officer, Grace Doose, explained that IDDRR typically falls on October 13th but was celebrated on Monday due to scheduling conflicts as October 13 was Sunday.
“Today, we are here to create awareness on disaster reduction through environmental care, proper waste disposal, and drainage maintenance,” she said.
Achimba emphasized the importance of sustained action, outlining plans for CDRC and community leaders to collaborate on: removing gutter blockages, creating more drainages
and sensitizing residents.
“The graded street leading to Gwer West Secretariat needs gutters to prevent erosion,” she added.
The 3-year project, funded by the European Union and Christian Blind Mission (CBM), operates in Benue State’s Konshisha and Gwer West local government areas according to Achimba who disclosed that ELIM has achieved notable successes so far, including: economic tree planting, farmer training, dry season farming introduction and community group formation.
On his part, Village Economic and Social Association (VESA) facilitator, Henry Gberchuul, acknowledged ELIM’s impact in mitigating climate change through tree planting and other interventions. He promised that within a week, a date will be fixed for the CDRCs to go and sensitize Gwer West people on proper sanitation practices.
