The Bauchi State Government on Wednesday flagged off the construction of a N29.69 billion erosion control project under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project.

Governor Bala Mohammed while speaking at the project inauguration said that gully erosion and uncontrolled stormwater channels running from Tsohon Kamfani to Gwallagan Mayaka communities in Bauchi metropolis have threatened the topography of the town.

According to him, the project is funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Federal Government, Bauchi State Government through ACReSAL.

Mohammed said the state government had paid 40% of the contract sum as mobilisation to the contractor while the full amount was readily available.

He said the contractor had no excuse not to complete the project as scheduled. “This event is far more than the commencement of a construction project, it represents another bold milestone in our administration’s commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection, urban renewal, public health, economic growth, and the well-being of our people,” he added.

The governor said the intervention is a key component of the Bauchi Urban Renewal Project and aligns with Bauchi Project II, aimed at modernising infrastructure and building climate-resilient communities.

Mohammed said what began as small stormwater pathways had expanded into erosion corridors, up to 60 meters wide and 50 meters deep, destroying homes, farmlands, roads, and livelihoods.

He said the project is expected to restore 9,842 hectares of degraded land and provide protection for more than 213,000 people.

Mohammed acknowledged the support of the World Bank, the Federal Government, and the ACReSAL project team led by State Project Coordinator Dr. Ibrahim Kabir.

He stressed the need for community involvement in implementation and monitoring.

“Deepening stakeholding means ensuring that those you think are nothing are part and parcel of project implementation and monitoring and evaluation,” he said.