From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, is set to commence a 14-kilometre drainage project in Katsina metropolis to address flooding, erosion and other environmental challenges.
The Project Coordinator of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project in Katsina State, Nafiu Muhammed Musa, disclosed this in an interview while outlining the project’s planned environmental interventions across the state.
Musa said the project would cover areas from the Al-Qalam University axis through Janbango and the Teaching Hospital area to the Army Barracks.
He explained that the intervention followed concerns raised by residents over flooding and environmental degradation in the affected areas.
According to him, Governor Dikko Umar Radda has approved the project, while engineers have already conducted the necessary surveys ahead of the commencement of construction.
The coordinator said work on the drainage project was expected to begin before the end of the year.
Musa said the intervention formed part of broader efforts by ACReSAL and its partners to strengthen environmental resilience and protect communities from the effects of flooding and erosion.
He also disclosed that ACReSAL was implementing a major dam project at Layin Galadima, which he said would improve livelihoods, create employment opportunities and help reduce rural-to-urban migration.
The coordinator added that plans were underway to construct another major drainage channel in Danja town, as well as an intervention along the Charanchi-Bindawa axis, where erosion had begun to damage parts of the road.
He said the projects were included in ACReSAL’s work plan and were aimed at addressing environmental degradation and supporting sustainable development in vulnerable communities across Katsina State.
Musa commended Governor Radda for his support for the implementation of ACReSAL interventions in the state.
He also appreciated the project’s Steering Committee, under the leadership of the State Commissioner for Environment, for its support towards achieving the objectives of the programme.
