By Samuel Luka
The Bauchi State Government on Wednesday launched the N29.69 billion flood and erosion control project of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, with Governor Bala Mohammed pledging to address gully erosion sites omitted from the initial phase.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Mohammed listed affected communities including Bayan Pada to Doya through Federal Government Girls College to Barkumbu, Malamgoje to Gwallaga and Federal Low-cost, as well as Igbo Quarters, Shadawanka Barracks, and Gubi Dam, saying the sites were excluded from the first scope but remain a priority.
“I sleep and wake up with you. And inshallah, if we are able to get ACreSAL to do it for us, we will do it as an augmentation. Otherwise, the state government will do it itself,” he told residents.
The project will be supervised by a consulting firm alongside engineers and technical staff from relevant ministries, departments, and agencies, with strict adherence to quality standards.
Mohammed commended contractor Triacta for delivering work he said matches standards seen in Abuja and other cities.
“This administration will not compromise on quality, transparency, or project timelines. The people of Bauchi deserve durable, functional, and world-class infrastructure, and that is exactly what we are determined to deliver,” he said.
He noted that the main corridor has about eight branches extending to Yelwa and other areas, and urged the contractor to maintain professionalism and integrity.
The governor also stressed environmental responsibility and close collaboration with host communities.
Residents of Gwaram in Misau LGA, Cheleidi in Kirfi LGA, Gololo in Gamawa LGA, and Alkaleri in Alkaleri LGA were assured of inclusion in subsequent phases once additional ACreSAL funding is secured.
Mohammed called on community leaders, youth groups, women’s associations, and the site management committee to work with contractors and government officials to safeguard the project.
He thanked the World Bank, Federal Government, National ACreSAL Coordinating Office, development partners, consultants, engineers, and the state Ministries of Environment and Housing for their support.
“Protecting our environment is protecting our future. Together we are not only controlling floods and erosion, we are restoring,” he said.
ACReSAL is a World Bank-supported initiative tackling land degradation and building climate resilience across Nigeria’s semi-arid regions.
Earlier, State Project Coordinator Dr. Ibrahim Kabir said the project spans from Tsohon Kamfani to Gwallagan Mayaka, marking the first time such an intervention has moved from concept to implementation in the state.
“Your Excellency, you are changing lives, you are restoring livelihoods, you are adding value to over 213,000 residents on this corridor,” Kabir said.
He added that since 2022, the project team had engaged communities along the corridor, conducted a Resettlement Action Plan, identified vulnerable households, and appointed community leaders as mediators.
Based on the RAP assessment, 45 vulnerable households have been selected for livelihood restoration support.
The state has procured sewing machines, grinding machines, and other equipment for those to be relocated to cushion the impact and improve income opportunities.
