The National Project Coordinator, Agro -Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape, Abdulhamid Umar, has expressed support for the planned revitalisation of Asa Dam water works in Ilorin, Kwara State.

He said ACReSAL would support the Kwara State government’s proposition to invest in revitalising Asa Dam water works in llorin for the purposes of providing potable drinking water for the public.

Mr Umar, disclosed this in Ilorin on Thursday during an assessment of Asa and Agba Dams; Eruda Bridge in llorin and other environmentally challenging spots in the state.

According to him, Asa dam is one of the proposals that Kwara government submitted as part of its shopping list from the water sector.

The project coordinator said water hyacinth had taken over Asa dam, which should have served the purpose of providing potable drinking water to the public.

He condemned the activities of the fishermen who regularly pollute the dam and assured of urgent government intervention to make the dam safe for public use.

He said, “I am personally disappointed with what I saw here in Asa dam. The dilapidated, worn out and outdated facilities at the dam is worrisome. We are ready to revitalise the dam by investing in it for accumulative and other activities. This dam requires urgent rehabilitation and urgent intervention.’’

Mr Umar disclosed further that ACReSAL is funded and supported by the World Bank through the Federal Government to support and resolve issues bordering on environment

He also said ACReSAL had secured a loan sum of $700 million to support the 19 northern states including FCT to tackle environmental and ecological challenges.

According to him, the project is anchored around three pillars namely; dry land management, climate smart agricultural activities resilience and Strengthening policies and institutions.

On her part, ACReSAL Task Team Leader, Dr Joy Agene, said that the project was aimed at supporting vulnerable communities and improving their livelihood.

She said the project would specifically target the inclusion of vulnerable and marginalised groups, including women, youths and the elderly.

Ms Agene urged the public to cooperate and work closely with ACReSA for the project to be achievable and beneficial to the communities.

The Kwara State Commissioner for Environment and Forestry, Shehu Usman said ACReSA and his team were in Kwara to identify with the communities and see things vividly to carry out their projects.

Mr Usman described ACReSA as a tripartite project that focused on agriculture, environment and water.

He said, “As you can see, the team has been to Eruda bridge and Asa dam water treatment plant to assess the situation independently. They want to make our environment conducive and safe for living.’’

The Kwara Commissioner for Water Resources, Usman Lade in his remarks said due to the paucity of funds, the state sought to collaborate with ACReSA to better the lives of the people.

Mr Lade said aquaculture practices had affected Asa dam and the state was partnering with ACReSA to ensure the channelling of the dam to accommodate irrigation farming.

He also disclosed that the state was looking at how to extend the intervention to the three senatorial districts in the state.

The ACReSA team with World Bank representatives and the state representatives later embarked on a facilities assessment tour to Asa and Agba Dams and Eruda Bridge for proper analysis and assessment by experts.

The team also paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu- Gambari.

The National Project Coordinator of ACReSA said they came to the palace to seek the emir’s blessings before they commence the highlighted projects.

Mr Umar said the people of Kwara deserved potable drinking water and also proper channelling water for agricultural practices.

The emir while responding assured the team of a friendly working environment in Ilorin and described Kwara as a peaceful state.

He also assured the team of his maximum support when the need arose and wished them good luck in the execution of the task ahead.

(NAN)