By Samuel Luka
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state on Wednesday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a N29.69 billion flood and erosion control project under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative.
According to the governor, the project will address gully erosion and uncontrolled stormwater channels running from Tsohon Kamfani to Gwallagan Mayaka communities in Bauchi metropolis.
It is funded by the World Bank and implemented by the federal government, Bauchi State Government, and ACReSAL.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mohammed said the state government had paid 40% of the contract sum as mobilization to Triacta Nigeria Limited and that 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,” Mohammed said.
“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 modernizing 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 commended Triacta Nigeria Limited for taking on the job and 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.
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