By Abdullahi Tukur
The Kebbi State Government, in collaboration with the World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACRESAL) Project, has commenced major gully erosion control and bio-engineering works in Badariya, Dukku Malala communities in the Birnin Kebbi metropolis.
The Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Musa Tungulawa, who disclosed this at a news conference, said the projects were being implemented by the State Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Kebbi ACRESAL Project, with support from the World Bank.
According to him, the interventions are expected to directly and indirectly benefit more than 50,000 people in the affected communities and surrounding areas.
The Commissioner explained that the projects comprise two erosion control and bio-engineering sites in Badariya Community under Lot one, and two additional sites in Dukku Malala Community under Lot two.
“The commencement of these projects represents a major relief and a significant milestone in our efforts to protect communities, save lives, restore degraded lands, reclaim lost productive areas and safeguard the livelihoods of our people,” the commissioner said.
He explained that the interventions would help check the expansion of gullies, flooding and soil degradation that have, over the years, affected homes, farmlands, roads, businesses and other community assets.
The commissioner said the works would restore and reclaim degraded lands, particularly agricultural and Fadama areas, through improved storm-water management, water harvesting and controlled channelling.
He added that the projects would improve water availability and agricultural productivity, restore livelihoods, protect critical infrastructure and strengthen the resilience of communities against flooding, erosion and other climate-related challenges.
According to him, the intervention would also create safer living conditions and support sustainable socio-economic activities by restoring productive lands and reducing environmental risks.
“The projects are scheduled for completion within 15 months. However, the government has urged the contractor to mobilise adequate equipment and personnel to deliver the works substantially ahead of schedule, given the urgency of the environmental challenges.
“However, the government will not compromise quality, safety or the required technical standards in the execution of the projects,” he said.
Tungulawa also assured Project Affected Persons (PAPs) that adequate arrangements had been made for the implementation of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP).
He said all eligible affected persons would be identified, assessed and compensated in accordance with the approved RAP provisions and applicable safeguard requirements before the commencement of the relevant project activities.
The commissioner also commended the State Project Coordinator, Mr. Ahmad Isa-Tela, and the entire Kebbi ACRESAL team for their dedication and professionalism towards the realisation of the projects.