By Bashir Mohammed
Kano
Kano state government has released N300 million as counterpart funds for the first phase of projects, under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP)
NEWMAP, according to report in Kano, intends to rehabilitate five erosion sites in Kiru, Ungoggo, Dwakin Tofa, Nassarawa and Tarauni local government areas.
In addition, it will provide four water conservation structures along with minor irrigation facilities in villages in Shanono, Tofa, Makoda and Takai local government areas.
These are the first wave of priority sites selected by Kano state government for intervention in accordance with the criteria laid down by the World Bank, the state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has disclosed.
Ganduje stated this in a message to the official launch of the state NEWMAP at the Government House in Kano.
Represented by his deputy, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, the governor explained that the selection of the sites “was predicated on the fact that the erosion has no only engulfed considerable hectares of productive agricultural land but also destroyed several houses, roads and other infrastructural facilities, thereby threatening the lives and means of livelihood of thousands of inhabitants living in those areas.
“This programme will further play a crucial role of complementing the state government’s efforts of Sustainable Land Use Practices and reforestation by putting back vegetation cover on farm lands, some deforested reserves and communal forest areas through conventional and social forestry practices in collaboration with relevant stakeholders”.
He described the project launch as fulfillment of a campaign promise, to address various forms of environmental challenges that require urgent government intervention in some communities across the state.
Task Team Leader (TTL) of NEWMAP, Dr. Amos Abu said the erosion intervention projects are being financed by the World Bank, stressed the need for community involvement and support to ensure resounding success.
