Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state has released N300 million as counterpart funds for the take-off of the first phase of projects, under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, NEWMAP.
NEWMAP 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 together 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 announced.
Dr. Ganduje stated this in a message to the official launch of the state NEWMAP at the Government House in Kano.
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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”.
Dr Ganduje added: “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.
The Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) development objective, aims to reduce vulnerability to soil erosion in targeted communities. This eight-year innovative, multi-sectoral project will finance State-led interventions to prevent and reverse land degradation, which threatens biodiversity, infrastructure and livelihoods in several states including Kano.
Ameen K. Yassar
Press Secretary to the Governor
Government House Kano
May 18, 2017.
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