Gov Bala Flags Off ₦29.69bn Flood Control Project

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has flagged off a ₦29.69 billion flood and erosion control project covering stabilization and channelization works from Tsohon Kamfani to Gwallagan Mayaka in Bauchi metropolis.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for the project, executed under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, a World Bank-supported initiative, held on Wednesday at New GRA-Sabon Kaura Road, Governor Mohammed said the project reflects his administration’s commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection, urban renewal, public health, economic growth, and the overall well-being of the people.

According to him, flooding and erosion have over the years destroyed homes, farmlands, roads, plots of land, and means of livelihood of affected communities, while also claiming lives and leaving thousands of families in fear and uncertainty.

He mentioned some communities that will benefit from the project which include Sabon Kaura, Wintin Dada, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Tambari Housing Estate down to Yelwa Bridge, Bauchi State College of Agriculture, and Gwallagan Mayakan among other communities.

The Governor Bala disclosed that the project is expected to restore about 9,842 hectares of degraded land, provide relief and protection to more than 213,000 people, and channel over 40 million cubic metres of water annually for productive use, including irrigation and other economic activities.

The governor explained that poor drainage systems and unmanaged erosion not only damage infrastructure and the environment but also pose serious public health risks.

He further stated that the intervention would significantly improve security in affected communities, noting that abandoned erosion corridors and degraded environments often serve as hideouts for criminal activities and restrict movement, especially during the rainy season.

“By restoring these areas, improving access roads, and reclaiming degraded lands, we are creating safer, more organized, and economically vibrant communities,” he said.

He described the project as a demonstration of his administration’s belief that environmental restoration can drive economic growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty.

He said the project is implemented in collaboration with Bauchi state government and federal government. He announced that the contract was awarded to Triacta Nigeria Limited at a total cost of N29.6 billion.

According to him, the state government has already paid 40 per cent mobilisation to the contractor and made the entire project sum available to ensure smooth execution.

“Therefore, the contractor has no excuse whatsoever for delays or unnecessary arguments regarding funding,” he stated.

Governor Mohammed said the contractor would work under the supervision of a competent consulting firm alongside engineers and technical experts from relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and the ACReSAL Project Implementation Unit to ensure strict compliance with quality standards and specifications.

He stressed that the government would not compromise on quality, transparency, or project timelines, insisting that the people deserve durable and world-class infrastructure.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Hon. Dallami Ahmad Kawule, described the project as another historic milestone in Bauchi State’s environmental protection efforts.

Kawule said the intervention would not only address flooding and environmental degradation but also stimulate economic growth, improve public health, and enhance security in affected communities.

The commissioner, who also serves as chairman of the ACReSAL Steering Committee, commended Governor Bala Mohammed for initiating and supporting what he described as a people-oriented project aimed at addressing flooding, erosion, and other environmental challenges across the state.

Also speaking, the ACReSAL project coordinator, Dr. Ibrahim Kabir, described the initiative as a life-transforming intervention that would restore livelihoods and improve living conditions for residents along the Tsohon Kamfani to Gwallagan Mayaka corridor.

He disclosed that under the Livelihood Restoration Support Programme, the project had procured empowerment materials, including sewing machines, grinding machines, and other equipment to support affected residents, particularly those that may be relocated as a result of the project.

Kabir added that apart from tackling erosion and flooding, the project is also designed to support irrigation farming around the outflow areas of Gwallagan Mayaka.

In his remarks, the Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, commended the state government for taking proactive steps to protect communities from the devastating effects of flooding and erosion.

Represented by the Waziri of Bauchi, Alhaji Uba Ahmad Kari, the Emir said the project demonstrates the governor’s commitment to environmental sustainability, resilience, and the welfare of the people.

He also appreciated the efforts of the ACReSAL team, development partners, and other stakeholders whose contributions made the initiative possible, while reaffirming the support of traditional institutions for programmes aimed at protecting livelihoods and promoting development.

The managing director of Triacta Nigeria Limited, Elias Abu Farhat, assured the government and residents of quality work and timely completion of the project.

He thanked the Bauchi State government for giving the company the opportunity to execute the project and pledged to deliver according to specifications.