The Federal Executive Council (FEC), yesterday, approved a N1.22 billion contract for the channelling of Asa River and its tributaries, which run through Ilorin metropolis in Kwara.

The Minister of Environment, Hajia Hadiza Ibrahim-Mailafia, disclosed this after the Council's meeting presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo.

She said that the contract was awarded to address the perennial problem of flooding in Ilorin, to avert further destruction of lives and property.

According to the minister, the contract followed the 2007 and 2008 floods in the area, which displaced many schools, mosques and churches, forcing the government to establish temporary shelters for victims.

Consequently, she said, officials of the Department of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zones Management of the ministry recommended the dredging of the river.

The minister said the contract was awarded to Messrs Ambico Sendirian Nig. Ltd., with a completion period of 12 months.

She said that the funds to execute the contract would be secured from the Ecological Fund.

In a related development, the council had expressed concern over the abuse of Ogunpa River channels in Ibadan, Oyo State by people living in the city.

The Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, said the council was dismayed that the channels, constructed by the Federal Government at N7 billion to control incessant flooding of the river, was greatly being abused by residents.

The minister said the council had received reports that people were constructing building and fishponds on the river channels and directed the ministry of environment to take immediate steps to address the situation.

The minister said the meeting also discussed the issue of desert encroachment, particularly in the northern part of the country, which was advancing at the rate of about half a kilometre annually.

Maku said the ministry was also directed to take prompt action to address the problem.