Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has launched a N10.88 billion, seven-kilometre gully erosion control project in Dutse, the state capital.
Speaking at the launch of the multi-billion-naira project, Governor Namadi stated, “The Danmasara-Kalgo-Yalwawa Erosion Control Project is a project initiated and packaged by the Jigawa State Government, to be funded under the World Bank-Assisted ACReSAL Project. The project is being implemented in partnership with the State Government through the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.”
The governor explained that the project aligns with one of his commitments from his inaugural speech, where he pledged to leverage the World Bank-supported ACReSAL Project and other national programs of the Federal Ministry of Environment to promote agro-climatic resilience and environmental sustainability in the state.
“One of my priority commitments to the people is promoting environmental sustainability, which takes into account the devastating effects of perennial flooding, desertification, land degradation, and the gradual loss of forest reserves,” Namadi stated.
He continued, “All these issues come with serious negative setbacks to the government’s efforts to achieve environmental sustainability and provide sustainable livelihoods for many in the population. These challenges have made it imperative for us to prioritise policy initiatives and interventions that protect the environment and its flora and fauna.”
For several decades, gully erosion has been a persistent environmental challenge for the Danmasara, Kalgo, and Yalwawa communities, destroying farmlands, access roads, residential areas, and people’s livelihoods while endangering lives and property.
“In fulfilment of our commitments, addressing this long-standing environmental problem has become a priority,” he added.
As designed, the project will involve the construction of approximately seven kilometres of U-shaped gravity-driven drainage structures, dozens of culverts of various dimensions, and connecting roads with reinforced concrete structures on the sides to ensure lasting resilience.
Governor Namadi emphasised that the overall impact of the project would be the reclamation of over 400 hectares of land along the gully corridor.
“This will not only mitigate future occurrences of gully erosion in the entire area but will also significantly contribute to restoring sustainable livelihoods for thousands of households within the affected areas,” he said.
He disclosed that the total project cost is approximately N10.88 billion and has been awarded to Alren Construction Company and Retercha Company Limited, with each handling specific segments of the project.
The event also marked the commencement of compensation payments totalling over N189.94 million to 479 individuals affected by the project.
“This will include compensation for lands, economic trees, and crops, as well as temporary and permanent resettlement, including inconveniences and livelihood restoration,” the governor concluded.
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