Towards tackling the threats of gully erosion Sokoto state, Governor Aminu Tambuwal on Wednesday inaugurated the N3 billion “Mabera Storm Water Management Works” and other erosion projects in the state.
The state government, Tambuwal disclosed, has committed N1.033 billion counterpart- funding for the projects made up of a total of 18.5 kilometres across Mabera Jelani, Mabera Iddi, Nakasarin Barebari, Nakasarin Nagaji, Salame and Trade Fair areas in Sokoto township.
ASHENEWS reports that the projects, which are being executed under the World Bank-assisted Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, NEWMAP, when completed, would reduce communities’ vulnerability to soil erosion, floods and other complex environmental challenges that the state has faced over the years.
The governor recalled that erosion and floods challenges in the areas, especially Mabera had existed for as long as the community had existed.
“My administration is committed to ensure lasting solution to environmental and other problems thereby ensuring the settlement of project counter fund since 2017. The programmes were approved under the project comprised Mabera Storm Water Management Works, rehabilitation of Lugu Dam, construction of Earth Dam at Rafin Duma and Sakkwal.
“Others were Yarbulutu River Bank Erosion Control Works, Flood and Erosion Control Works at Goronyo and Durbawa areas. Smaller sites in the project included 1.9 kilometres, 1.5 kilometres and two kilometers Flood Control works at Tureta, Sayyinna and Specialist Hospital in Sokoto,” Tambuwal stated.
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Sagir Bafarawa said all collaborative formalities and procedures with the World Bank were completed, adding that “the project would impact positively toward addressing flood and gully erosion through good drainage systems, rehabilitation of degraded lands and establishment of earth dams in some parts of the state.
“The project will facilitate reactivation of some irrigation schemes to boost agricultural activities to ensure food security and livelihood activities of the people of the state.”
