An environmentalist, Ibrahim Ahmad, has said that the N29.69 billion flood and erosion control project in Bauchi metropolis would protect the environment and improve livelihoods.
He said that the gesture demonstrated the Bauchi government’s commitment to environmental sustainability for the overall development of the state.
Ahmad spoke in Bauchi on Sunday, while responding to a survey by the News Agency of Nigeria on state governments’ utilisation of ecological funds.
He said the project was designed to control gully erosion and stormwater channels in Bauchi metropolis as well as flood control in over 15 flood prone local government areas of the state.
The expert said that such interventions were imperative to control flooding and erosion, as well as protect lives and properties for sustainable development.
While commending the initiative, Mr Ahmad called for effective execution of the project to achieve its objectives.
It will be recalled that the Bauchi government on May 13, embarked on an $18.5 million dollars, equivalent to N29.69 billion flood and erosion control project.
The project is being funded by the World Bank through its Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes, ACReSAL, programme.
Performing the groundbreaking ceremony, Gov. Bala Mohammed, said that the project was to curb gully erosion and stormwater damage ravaging communities.
He said that gully erosion and uncontrolled stormwater channels running from Tsohon Kamfani to Gwallagan Mayaka communities in the metropolis was threatening the topography of the town.
Mr Mohammed said that the state government had paid 40 per cent of the total contract sum as mobilisation fee to the contractor while the full amount was readily available.
He assured that the project would be completed as scheduled.
Erosion control in Bauchi
“This event is far more than the commencement of a construction project, it represents another bold milestone in our administration’s commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection, urban renewal, public health, economic growth, and the wellbeing of our people,” he said.
According to Mr Mohammed, the intervention is a key component of the Bauchi Urban Renewal Project in alignment with Bauchi Project II, aimed at modernising infrastructure and building climate-resilient communities.
He said that the small stormwater pathways and gully erosion destroyed homes, farmlands, roads, and livelihoods in the town.
The governor highlighted that the project was expected to restore 9,842 hectares of degraded lands and provide protection to more than 213,000 people.
Mr Mohammed stressed the need for community involvement in the implementation and monitoring of the project via deepening stakeholding.
In Jigawa, the state government said it has committed a lot of funds to confront growing climate challenges such flooding and erosion.
Sagir Musa, Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports and Culture, said the government adopted practical environmental policies, ecological restoration and community-driven climate action.
