Kebbi, World Bank move to tackle erosion, land degradation

An agreement has been reached with the Bio Engineering Construction Company to carry out significant erosion control measures in the Badariya and Dukku Malala Communities within Birnin-Kebbi metropolis.

The State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Musa Muhammad Tungulawa, announced this during a press briefing on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi.

Tungulawa explained that the projects will be executed through the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in collaboration with the Kebbi State Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, with support from the World Bank.

He detailed that these interventions consist of two components. “These important initiatives are being implemented under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, supported by the World Bank,” he stated.

The projects comprise construction of two erosion control and bio-engineering sites at Badariya Community, Lot 1, awarded to A.G. Vision Construction Nigeria Limited and construction of two erosion control and bio- engineering sites at Dukku Malala Community, Lot 2, also awarded to A.G. Vision Construction Nigeria Limited,” he said.

According to him, the contractor emerged through a transparent procurement process in line with World Bank regulations.

“The contractor, A.G. Vision Construction Nigeria Limited, emerged through a procurement process conducted in accordance with the applicable World Bank Procurement Regulations and procedures, following the required evaluation and approval processes,” he stated.

The Commissioner expressed appreciation to Governor Nasir Idris for his support towards environmental protection in the state.

“I must emphasise that without His Excellency’s unwavering support and commitment, the successful implementation of the ACReSAL Project and the realisation of these landmark environmental interventions in Kebbi State would not have been possible.”

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Tungulawa also commended the State Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Hon. Ahmad Isa-Tela, and his team for their dedication.

“I equally wish to commend the State Project Coordinator, Hon. Ahmad Isa-Tela, and the entire Kebbi State ACReSAL Project team for their tireless efforts, dedication and professionalism towards ensuring the successful realisation of this important milestone,” he said.

He noted that residents of the two communities have for years suffered from gully erosion, flooding and land degradation.

“For many years, the persistent expansion of gullies, flooding and erosion in these affected areas has posed serious threats to our people, their homes, farmlands, access routes and other community assets.” He explained.

The Commissioner said the projects will have far reaching benefits for over 50,000 people.

“Importantly, more than 50,000 people are expected to benefit directly and indirectly from these interventions within the affected communities and surrounding areas. The beneficiaries will include households exposed to flooding and erosion, farmers and other land-dependent residents,” he said.

“The projects are scheduled for completion within 15 months, considering the urgent environmental situation and the hardship being experienced by residents in the affected areas, assuring that all Project Affected Persons will be duly compensated before commencement of work.

“I wish to further assure the people of Kebbi State, particularly the Project Affected Persons within the project site, that the Kebbi State Government has made adequate preparations for the implementation of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP),” he said.