Kano partners World Bank, FG to implement erosion control project

Disturbed by the continued environmental degradation occasioned by gully erosion in some parts of the state, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has renewed plan to deploy necessary mechanism to address the situation.

The Governor disclosed readiness of his administration to key into Federal Government and World Bank special intervention project on erosion control to address the devastating challenge in Kano.

The Governor who visited some of the deplorable sites of erosion damaged at
Bulbula- Gayawa community in Ungoggo Local Council said the persistent environmental challenges affecting the areas over the decades would be addressed headlong.

He added that, the urgent concerns raised by the devastating gully erosion necessitated immediate and decisive action to protect the lives and properties of the people in the community.

“The destructive effects of the gully erosion has not only claimed the lives but has inflicted untold hardship from the tragic loss of farmlands to the dangers faced by the children as they travel to school.

“The site has regrettably became a place where criminal activities flourished and the loss of children due to flooding during the rainy season, it is heartbreaking,” he noted.

Yusuf explained the NNPP administration was firmly committed to tackling the erosion challenges in Bulbula- Gayawa as part of the larger mission to address land degradation, environmental risks and impacts of climate change throughout the state. He also revealed that the work would be done through the Agro-climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) under the supervision of state ministry of environment, which enjoys strategic partnership with World Bank and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The governor also informed members of the community that, the ground work for the erosion control has been completed and it would require billions of naira to execute.

“The significant steps taken by the state government to halt indiscriminate and illegal sand mining activities in several areas and embarked on extensive land restoration projects including the rehabilitation of shelterbelt at Yanbawa and Sabongarin Ginzo.

“The restoration of over 21,261hectares of degraded land and the establishment of wood lot plantation, this initiative have been instrumental in mitigating desertification restoring land fertility and promoting sustainable livelihood for our people.

“Beyond controlling erosion, we are implementing community support programmes to revive livelihoods and rebuild what has been lost. Our livelihood support includes agricultural inputs and skill-building initiatives that will empower families and foster productivity in a secure and peaceful environment.

“The current administration is committed to ensuring that no community is left behind. Today, we are here to affirm that your voices have been heard, and we will tirelessly work to restore safety, security, and prosperity to Bulbula-Gayawa and its surrounding areas,” the governor assured.

In his response on behalf of the community, Village Head of Zango, Malam Hamza Jibrin Nuhu appreciated the concern shown by the governor, disclosing that Governor Yusuf was the first and only governor that visited the Gully Erosion site.

He also prayed for governor and wished him success in all the good policies planned for the development of Kano.