By: Abdullahi Inuwa
Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris, has flagged off a multi-billion-naira erosion control project in Malala, Dukku area of the state, in a major intervention aimed at tackling years of environmental degradation threatening communities in the area.
The project, being implemented under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) programme, is designed to address the persistent erosion challenges affecting Malala, Badariya and neighbouring communities, where residents have endured the devastating effects of environmental degradation for years.
The flag-off ceremony marks a collaborative effort between the Kebbi State Government and ACReSAL to provide a lasting solution to the environmental problems confronting the affected communities.
Speaking at the event, Governor Idris described the project as an important intervention to protect vulnerable communities and reduce the damaging effects of erosion on residents and their surroundings.
He stressed the need for cooperation among the state and federal governments, as well as development partners, in addressing environmental challenges and safeguarding communities exposed to erosion.
The governor disclosed that the necessary approvals had been obtained and the project awarded to a multinational company with the technical capacity to execute the large-scale environmental intervention.
Idris expressed sympathy for the people of Malala and Badariya, acknowledging the prolonged difficulties they had experienced as a result of erosion and their repeated appeals for government assistance.
He assured the affected communities of the importance of the intervention and urged residents to cooperate with the construction company to ensure the smooth and timely execution of the project.
The governor emphasised that community support would be essential to facilitating the contractors’ work and achieving the project’s objectives.
Earlier, the Site Engineer, Engr. Ahmed Isah Tela, who represented the ACReSAL Special Project Coordinator in Kebbi State, briefed the governor on the technical aspects of the project.
Tela expressed optimism that the intervention would bring lasting relief to the affected communities by addressing the erosion problem and mitigating further environmental damage.
He assured the state government that the project would be executed in line with approved specifications and technical standards.
The engineer also expressed hope that the work would be completed within the lifespan of the present administration, allowing residents to benefit from the intervention.
In their separate remarks, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Musa Muhammad Tungulawa, and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Abubakar Ahmed, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring effective implementation of the project.
They assured that the ministry would monitor the execution process to ensure that the intervention delivers its intended benefits to the affected communities.
The project is expected to address a longstanding environmental challenge in the Malala and Badariya areas, where residents have repeatedly sought a lasting solution to erosion and its consequences.
With the commencement of the intervention, attention will now turn to the execution of the project, adherence to approved specifications and timely delivery of the promised environmental protection measures.
For residents who have endured years of erosion-related difficulties, the project represents a significant step towards addressing their environmental concerns and improving the safety and resilience of their communities.
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