The Kaduna Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project on Wednesday sensitized residents of Tudun Wada, Rigasa community, on the implementation of a gully erosion control project in the area.
The Project Coordinator, ACReSAL, Mrs Hadiza Halid, said the sensitization was part of activities under the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the project.
Represented by the Human Resource Officer, Mr Nuhu Satuk, Halid said the construction would affect some residents, including houses, farmlands and economic trees located around the gully site.
She said consultants had already conducted surveys to identify persons likely to be affected by the project.
“The sensitization is mainly for those that will be affected by the construction. Government will compensate them for anything that will be affected during the construction,” she said.
Halid added that the cooperation of residents was necessary to ensure the successful execution of the project and overall environmental improvement.
The District Head of Rigasa, Aminu Idris, described the project as a welcome development for the community.
Idris said the area had suffered severe erosion over the years, resulting in the loss of farmlands, destruction of houses and loss of lives, especially during the rainy season.
He expressed appreciation to the ACReSAL project for intervening in the community.
Also speaking, a resident, Mrs Asmau Sadiq, said the action plan would bring relief to residents affected by erosion in the area.
Sadiq said the community had lost access roads and houses to erosion over the years, adding that she was among those affected.
She expressed optimism that the new intervention would succeed, noting that previous efforts had failed to fully address the problem.
“We are hopeful that this intervention by the government will finally bring lasting relief and improve our lives,” she said.
