Buhari commissions flood, erosion control project in Bauchi

The multi-million Naira Tulu-Tama flood and erosion control project in Toro LGA of Bauchi State has been commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari with the aim of checking erosion menace that has ravaged the area.

While commissioning and handing over the completed project to Bauchi State government for maintenance, the President said that the completion of the project was part of the Federal Government’s concerted effort towards tackling environmental challenges in the country.

Buhari also reiterated the commitment of his administration to continue to implement all policies, agreements and contracts at both national and international levels that are aimed at laying a solid foundation for a prosperous nation.

The President who was represented by the Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Maryam Yalwaji Katagum, said that the implementation of the project was in keeping faith with his administration’s promise of ensuring no part of the country suffered any neglect owing to its geographical location or political consideration.

In a keynote address, Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, said that the importance of the project cannot be overemphasised as it was expected to address the devastating effect of flooding and erosion menace in the area.

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The governor who was represented by the Commissioner of Environment and Housing, Hamisu Muazu Shira, expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for the execution of the project.

The governor said that “The Bauchi State Ministry of Environment is currently compiling a list of all the areas affected by flood and erosion with a view to seeking for the support of the Federal Government in order to come to our aid.”

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Hajiya Habiba Muda Lawal said that the commissioning and handing over of the project to the benefitting community is expected to achieve dual purpose of enabling the host community to take over and exercise ownership of the project in addition to ensuring its maintenance.

Habiba Lawal said: “The timely completion of this project was made possible through the efforts of the project contractor and the consultant who had worked tirelessly to ensure minimum loss of time in the project implementation schedule and the very close monitoring and prompt honouring of all contractual obligations by the EFO.”

Habiba Lawal who was also represented by the Director, Special Duties, Mr David Haruna, noted that the resources committed to the project by the Federal Government must not be wasted.

Leader of the benefitting community commended the FG for the execution of the project which he believed will save the area from the menace of flood and erosion which had ravaged the area.

He assured that the community will take full ownership of the project and ensure that it is well maintained calling however on the state government to help in that regard.