By Sani Dutsinma
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has flagged off a multi-billion-naira erosion control project in Malala, Dukku area of the state, under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) programme.
The project is aimed at addressing the longstanding challenges of erosion and environmental degradation affecting Malala, Badariya and surrounding communities, where residents have endured the devastating consequences of erosion for years.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Governor Idris described the intervention as the outcome of a collaborative effort between the state government and ACReSAL to provide a lasting solution to the environmental challenges confronting the affected communities.
He said the state and federal governments, alongside development partners, had important roles to play in protecting vulnerable communities from erosion and its devastating effects.
Governor Idris disclosed that, the necessary approval had been secured and the project awarded to a multinational company with the technical expertise required to execute the large-scale environmental intervention.
He expressed sympathy for residents of Malala and Badariya, noting that they had suffered the consequences of erosion for a long time and had repeatedly sought government intervention, and called on the affected communities to cooperate with the construction company to facilitate the smooth execution of the project.
Earlier, the Site Engineer, Engr. Ahmed Isah Tela, who represented the ACReSAL Special Project Coordinator in Kebbi State, explained key aspects of the project to the Governor and expressed optimism that the intervention would provide lasting relief to the affected communities.
He assured the Governor that the project would be executed in accordance with approved specifications and expressed the hope that the work would be completed within the lifespan of the present administration.
In remark , the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Musa Muhammad Tungulawa, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Abubakar Ahmed, assured the ministry’s commitment to effective project implementation, and the delivery of the intended benefits to the affected communities.
Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
