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From Ola Muhammad, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi state government, in collaboration with the World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, has kicked off major gully erosion control and bio-engineering works in Badariya and Dukku Malala communities in the Birnin Kebbi metropolis.
The Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Musa Tungulawa, disclosed this at a news conference in Birnin Kebbi.
He explained that the projects were being implemented by the State Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Kebbi ACReSAL project, with support from the World Bank.
According to him, the interventions are expected to directly and indirectly benefit more than 50,000 people in the affected communities and surrounding areas.
Tungulawa explained that the projects comprise two erosion control and bio-engineering sites in Badariya community under Lot 1, and two additional sites in Dukku Malala community under Lot 2.
He disclosed that 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,” the commissioner said.
He explained that the interventions would help check the expansion of gullies, flooding and soil degradation that have, over the years, affected homes, farmlands, roads, businesses and other community assets.
The commissioner said the works would restore and reclaim degraded lands, particularly agricultural and Fadama areas, through improved storm-water management, water harvesting and controlled channelling.
He added that the projects would improve water availability and agricultural productivity, restore livelihoods, protect critical infrastructure and strengthen the resilience of communities against flooding, erosion and other climate-related challenges.
According to him, the intervention would also create safer living conditions and support sustainable socio-economic activities by restoring productive lands and reducing environmental risks.
On the award of the contracts, Tungulawa said the contractor emerged through a procurement process conducted in accordance with World Bank procurement regulations.
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He said the company was selected based on its compliance, technical expertise, relevant experience and capacity to execute the projects in accordance with approved designs, specifications and quality standards.
“The projects are scheduled for completion within 15 months. However, 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 said.
Tungulawa also assured Project Affected Persons (PAPs) that adequate arrangements had been made for the implementation of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP).
He said all eligible affected persons would be identified, assessed and compensated in accordance with the approved RAP provisions and applicable safeguard 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 ensure the successful and sustainable implementation of the intervention.
He also urged residents to protect the project facilities and refrain from activities that could undermine the integrity and effectiveness of the erosion control structures.
Tungulawa commended Governor Nasir Idris for his continued support and commitment to addressing environmental challenges across the state.
He said the ACReSAL interventions would contribute significantly to climate resilience, flood and erosion control, land reclamation and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the affected communities.
The commissioner also commended the State Project Coordinator, Mr Ahmad Isa-Tela, and the entire Kebbi ACReSAL team for their dedication and professionalism towards the realisation of the projects.
He expressed optimism that the intervention would provide lasting solutions to the environmental challenges confronting Badariya, Dukku Malala and neighbouring communities.
