The Kaduna Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project on Wednesday intensified efforts to tackle environmental degradation by sensitising residents of Tudun Wada and Rigasa on the implementation of a gully erosion control project in the area.
As observed by PREMIUM TIMES, the sensitisation exercise focused on preparing residents for the project’s rollout and explaining its likely social and environmental impacts, especially on households, farmlands, and economic trees around the erosion corridor.
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Speaking at the event, the ACReSAL Project Coordinator in Kaduna State, Hadiza Halid, said the engagement was part of the project’s Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) activities, aimed at ensuring transparency, inclusion, and accountability.
Ms Halid, who was represented by the project’s Human Resource Officer, Nuhu Satuk, explained that construction activities would affect some residents and assets around the gully site, noting that consultants had already conducted surveys to identify persons likely to be affected.
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“This sensitisation is mainly for those who will be directly affected by the construction. Government will compensate them for anything that will be affected during the process,” Mr Satuk said.
He added that the cooperation of residents was critical to the successful execution of the project and to achieving long-term environmental improvement in the community.
Community voices welcome intervention
The District Head of Rigasa, Aminu Idris, described the project as a timely and welcome development, saying the area had suffered severe gully erosion over the years.
“During the rainy season, we lose farmlands, houses, and sometimes lives because of erosion. This intervention gives us hope,” Mr Idris said.
Residents who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES after the event expressed optimism about the project.
A resident, Asmau Sadiq, said the action plan would bring relief to families affected by erosion, noting that she was personally impacted.
“Erosion has taken away our houses and access roads over the years. I believe this government intervention will finally bring lasting relief,” she told PREMIUM TIMES.
Another resident, Sadiq Lawal, said the project would help reduce the fear that grips the community every rainy season.
“We are always worried when it starts raining. If this project is done properly, it will protect our homes and our future,” he said.
Similarly, Musa Abdullahi, a community elder who also spoke to PREMIUM TIMES, urged the government to ensure transparency in compensation and sustained engagement with residents.
READ ALSO: Gombe approves N50bn for erosion control, converts school to university faculty
“We support the project, but fairness and regular communication are important. That will guarantee success,” he said.
ACReSAL officials assured residents that the project would be implemented in line with best practices, to control gully erosion, protect livelihoods, and strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable communities across Kaduna State.
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