ACReSAL: W/Bank, FG, States Partnership ‘ll Protect Lives, Public Assets – Bauchi Gov

By Usman Walin Gungura, Bauchi

The Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, has launched flood and erosion control project designed to protect thousands of residents and restore vulnerable communities across Bauchi metropolis.

The ground breaking ceremony which took place on Wednesday, along Sabon Qaura Road in the New GRA area, marked the commencement of rehabilitation and drainage channel works starting from Tsohon Kamfani to Gwallagan Mayaka under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative.

Governor Bala Mohammed, while addressing stakeholders and residents at the venue, described the intervention as a strategic response to years of devastating environmental challenges that have displaced families, destroyed infrastructure and threatened economic activities in several parts of the state capital.

He explained that the project reflects his administration’s determination to build a safer, cleaner and more resilient Bauchi through sustainable environmental policies and people-oriented infrastructure development.

He informed that communities including Sabon Kaura, Wuntin Dada, Tambari Housing Estate and areas surrounding Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic.

Bauchi have suffered recurring flood disasters for decades, especially during the rainy season, resulting in loss of homes, damaged roads and severe erosion.

The Governor unfolded that the intervention, supported by the World Bank in partnership with the Federal and State Governments, will provide long-term solutions through modern drainage systems, land restoration and erosion stabilization mechanisms aimed at protecting lives and public assets.

Revealing that the project would reclaim thousands of hectares of degraded land while improving sanitation, reducing environmental hazards and creating better conditions for economic growth and public health.

The Governor added that beyond flood control, the initiative is expected to support irrigation farming, boost food production and open new opportunities for local communities through improved water management systems.

Dr. Ibrahim Kabir, who is the Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, described the initiative as one of the most complex environmental restoration projects currently being undertaken in Nigeria.

He salutes and commended, Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration for driving the project from planning stage to execution, noting that comprehensive consultations had already been conducted with affected communities to ensure transparency and smooth implementation.

He disclosed that traditional institutions and community representatives have been integrated into monitoring processes to strengthen accountability and local participation throughout the execution period.

He also explained that support packages and livelihood assistance had been provided to vulnerable persons affected by relocation arrangements, while additional agricultural support programmes would be introduced to enhance dry-season farming activities around Gwallagan Mayaka.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the state Commissioner of Housing and Environment, Danlami Ahmed Kawule, described the project as another bold milestone in the administration’s urban renewal agenda, stressing that the intervention would significantly improve environmental safety and infrastructure sustainability within Bauchi metropolis.

The Managing Director of Triacta Nigeria Limited, Elias Abu Farha, assured residents that the company would deliver the project according to international engineering standards and within the approved specifications.

The Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, who was represented at the occasion by the Wazirin Bauchi, Alhaji Uba Ahmed Kari, applauded the government for responding to the long-standing environmental concerns affecting the area and called on residents to cooperate fully with contractors for the success of the project.