From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto
To ensure erosion and land degradation free environment, Sokoto state government has geared up with tree planting, drainages and proper town planning programmes and projects under the NEWMAP strategic partnership programme.
Empasising its commitment at the flag-off of Mabera Area storm water project in Sokoto, Sagir Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, Commissioner for Environment said it was the duty of the state government to fashion out ways deemed vital for the protection of the environment from devastation, public lives and their livelihood.
According to the Commissioner, ” we want to as much as necessary and possible, tackle the threat by and vulnerability of soil erosion, floods and other environmental challenges affecting infrastructure.”
He said the Mabera storm water management works project being jointly supported by the state government and the world bank consisted of 18.5km drainages of various capacity across 6 major locations which include: Mabera Jelani, Mabera Iddi, Nakasarin Barebari, Nakasarin Magaji, Salame and Trade fair areas.
“All these are geared towards tackling flood problems of the environment especially degradation of land “, he pointed out.
He disclosed that the world bank has approved the completed engineering work design for the Luggu dam which bidding process is being awaited for the commencement of the project.
Also part of the approval are: construction of earth dams at Rafin Duma and Sakkwai, Yarbulutu River bank erosion control works at Toronto and Durbawa areas in addition to 1.9km, 1.5km and 2km flood control works at Tureta, Sanyinna and Specialist hospital , Sokoto sites respectively.
Hitherto, Bafarawa who listed some of the major achievements recorded towards ensuring environmental safety to include construction of 75km drainages in the state capital, 200hc of tree plantation across 5 local governments (Wurno, Bodinga, Wamakko, Illela and Goronyo), distribution of 2m seedlings in 2020, said his Ministry was fast engaging relevant stakeholders to ensure the projects chain realised, came to fruition for the benefit of humanity.
“So today is not all about Mabera. It is about protecting our environment for future, lives and property for the entire benefit of humanity”, he stressed.