The Kebbi State government says it will soon begin major erosion control and bioengineering works in Badariya and Dukku Malala communities in the Birnin Kebbi metropolis.

The state Commissioner for Environment, Musa Tungulawa, said 

this at a news conference in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.

He said the ministry was executing the projects in collaboration with the Kebbi Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, with support from the World Bank.

He added that the projects were expected to benefit more than 50,000 people directly and indirectly within the affected communities and surrounding areas.

Mr Tungulawa said the packages comprised two erosion control and bioengineering sites at Badariya Community under Lot 1 and another two at Dukku Malala Community under Lot 2.

He said both contracts were awarded to A.G. Vision Construction Nigeria Ltd.

“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,” Mr Tungulawa said.

According to him, the intervention will check the expanding gullies, flooding and soil degradation that have battered homes, farmlands, roads, businesses and other community assets over the years.

The commissioner said the works would restore and reclaim degraded lands, especially agricultural and Fadama areas, through improved storm-water management, water harvesting and controlled channelling.

He said the projects would boost water availability and farm productivity, restore livelihoods, protect infrastructure and strengthen the communities’ resilience to flooding, erosion and other climate-related challenges.

Mr Tungulawa added that the intervention would create safer living conditions and support sustainable socio-economic activities by restoring productive lands and reducing environmental risks.

On the contract award, he said the contractor emerged from a procurement process conducted in line with World Bank procurement regulations and was selected based on its compliance, technical expertise, experience and capacity to deliver the projects to approved designs, specifications and quality standards.

“The projects are scheduled for completion within 15 months, but 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 stated.

Mr Tungulawa also assured Project Affected Persons (PAPs) that adequate arrangements had been made for the implementation of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP).

He said eligible affected persons would be identified, assessed and compensated in line with the approved RAP provisions and safeguards requirements before the commencement of the relevant project activities.

“The government remains committed to ensuring that the resettlement and compensation process is transparent, fair and carried out in a manner that protects the rights, livelihoods and interests of all affected persons,” he said.

The commissioner called on residents and other stakeholders in the project areas to cooperate with the contractor, technical personnel and project teams to guarantee the success and sustainability of the intervention.

He also urged them to protect the project facilities and refrain from activities capable of undermining the erosion control structures.

Mr Tungulawa commended Governor Nasir Idris for his continued support and commitment to tackling environmental challenges in the state.

He said that the ACReSAL interventions would contribute significantly to climate resilience, flood and erosion control, land reclamation and sustainable livelihoods.

Mr Tungulawa also commended the State Project Coordinator, Ahmad Isa-Tela, and the entire Kebbi ACReSAL team for their dedication and professionalism towards the realisation of the projects.

The commissioner expressed optimism that the intervention would deliver lasting solutions to the environmental challenges confronting Badariya, Dukku Malala and surrounding communities. 

(NAN)