River Dredging, Erosion: Yobe ACReSAL Gets New Heavy Duty Machines

The Yobe State government has said it has received a newly amphibious excavator (swamp buggy) and low-bed truck procured by Yobe State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL).

A statement issued by the communication Officer of the programme, Ibrahim Baba Sale said the machines were purchased by Yobe ACReSAL to save the eroded environments through clearance, dredging, desilting and restoration.

Taking over the machines on behalf of the Yobe State government, the Commissioner of Environment and Chairman State Steering Committee, Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa said “I am here to officially receive the newly purchased Swamp Buggy by Yobe ACReSAL from Falala Group of Company.”

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Tonga Betara Bularafa the Commissioner said the trucks were delivered within the agreed time frame.

“Based on the advice by the technical team from the State Ministry of Works the machines are up to the quality and meet up with the contractual specifications.”

The Representative of the Falala Group of Company, Suleiman Mohammed Ridwan has assured that the newly procured excavator is up to the standard and will be much appreciated when put to use.

“It is our responsibility as a company to satisfy our clients, so we are here personally to escort these trucks and deliver them safely to the state government.

“This swamp buggy excavator is a new innovation by Zoom Lion company which I believe the government and other agencies will ask for more because it is something that will benefit the communities.”

The State Project Coordinator Yobe ACReSAL, Shehu Alhaji Mohammed while speaking, said dredging of Nguru wetlands is one of the environmental challenges bedeviling the state.

“His Excellency our Governor, Hon Mai Mala Buni has given us a mandate to ensure we do our best to do away with the dangerous typha grass on the wetlands and ensure people are back to their farms.

“I am happy to State that the World Bank and the Federal Project Management Unit have given us no objection to purchase the two machines.”

Represented by the State Project Engineer, Suleiman Aji Makinta the PC said the machines were carefully scrutinised by the mechanical team from the state Ministry of Works to ensure they meet up with specification and safety standards.