The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes project in Kaduna has activated the Resettlement Action Plan for erosion-control works in Rigasa, Kawo, and Zaria.

Abubakar Buba, the commissioner for environment and natural resources, said on Tuesday in Kaduna that the exercise marked the state’s transition from consultations to full implementation of safeguards ahead of civil works.

Mr Buba said the three sites were selected from over 242 identified ecological challenge locations based on priority and impact.

He said that ongoing reforms in waste evacuation, including strengthened local council operations and engagement of additional operators, would reinforce the sustainability of the intervention.

Abdulhamid Umar, the national project coordinator of ACReSAL, described the RAP as a critical milestone.

Mr Umar said Kaduna’s decision to operationalise three corridors simultaneously positioned it ahead of other participating states under the 20-state ACReSAL framework.

Mr Umar cautioned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in rehabilitated channels, warning that blocked drainage could reverse gains and trigger fresh flooding.

According to him, the intervention is designed to restore degraded landscapes, secure communities against erosion risks and enhance water flow for productive agricultural use.

Jibrin Magaji, district head of Kawo, welcomed the intervention, noting that recurring floods had endangered lives and damaged homes in the area.

He pledged the community’s support to ensure the project’s successful execution.

The RAP implementation precedes the commencement of civil works at the selected sites.

(NAN)