Precious Anga
Lagos — The Bauchi State Government has inaugurated a ₦29 billion erosion and flood control project aimed at tackling environmental degradation and protecting more than 213,000 residents from recurring flood disasters.
Governor Bala Mohammed inaugurated the project in Bauchi on Wednesday, describing it as a major intervention designed to restore degraded land, improve public safety and strengthen economic activities across affected communities.
According to the governor, the project aligns with his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure, protecting vulnerable communities and building climate-resilient environments.
Mohammed said communities including Wuntin Dada, Sabon Kaura, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Gwallagan Mayaka and surrounding areas have suffered years of severe erosion and flooding.
He explained that what began as minor stormwater channels had expanded into massive erosion sites stretching more than 60 metres wide and 50 metres deep in some locations.
“These environmental disasters have consumed homes, farmlands, roads, plots of land and sources of livelihood. Most unfortunately, they have also claimed lives and placed thousands of families under constant fear and uncertainty,” the governor said.
He noted that downstream communities also experience seasonal flooding, forcing many residents to stay awake during heavy rainfall over fears that floodwaters could destroy their homes and businesses.
Mohammed added that poor drainage systems and unmanaged erosion have worsened public health challenges, including the spread of malaria and waterborne diseases caused by stagnant water.
“This project is not merely an engineering intervention; it is a public health intervention, a social protection intervention and a long-term investment in human dignity and community well-being,” he stated.
The governor said the project would also improve security by reclaiming abandoned erosion corridors often used as hideouts for criminal activities.
He disclosed that the intervention is expected to create employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers in construction, transportation, welding, fabrication, catering and other support services.
According to him, local traders, artisans and transport operators would benefit from increased commercial activities during the implementation phase.
Mohammed further revealed that the project would restore about 9,842 hectares of degraded land and channel more than 14 million cubic metres of water annually for irrigation and other productive uses.
He said the contract was awarded to Traction Nigeria Limited through a competitive procurement process guided by World Bank standards.
State Project Coordinator of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes project, Dr Kabir Ibrahim, said the intervention would include erosion control works from Tsohon Kamfani to Gwallagan Mayaka.
He added that community leaders would receive motorcycles to support project monitoring and whistleblowing activities, while affected residents would benefit from empowerment programmes and resettlement support.
According to Ibrahim, the project also includes a Resettlement Action Plan for residents expected to relocate from high-risk areas, with 45 persons set to benefit from the empowerment component of the programme.
