ACReSAL awards ₦8.5bn contract for erosion control project in Kano

Kano State Government, under its World Bank-assisted programme, Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), has awarded a ₦8.5bn contract for the Bulbula/Gayawa Gully Erosion Control Project in Kano.

The project, a long-awaited intervention, seeks to address the severe erosion issues affecting communities in both Ungogo and Nassarawa Local Government Areas of the state.

Speaking at the event to announce the bid winner, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru Hashim, reaffirmed government’s commitment to the project.

Hashim, who is also the Chairman of the ACReSAL Project, said the project marked a significant milestone in efforts to prioritise infrastructure projects that safeguard lives and property.

“This project is a direct response to the cries of the people. Many believed it was not feasible, but under the leadership of Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, we refused to accept impossibilities.

“Today, we are delivering on his mandate to make Kano a safer and more resilient state.

“For years, residents of Bulbula and Gayawa have suffered the devastating effects of erosion, leading to the loss of lives, the destruction of homes, and hazardous routes for school children.

“The contract, awarded to Habib Engineering Nigeria Limited at a cost of ₦8,497,595,290.00, is expected to be completed within 715 days,” Hashim said.

He noted that to ensure quality execution and accountability, a robust monitoring team would be constituted, adding that over N600m would be spent on compensating residents affected by the project.

In his remarks, Ammar Nouri, the General Manager of Habib Engineering Nigeria Ltd., handling the project, said work would commence on the project on April 1.

He promised to deliver the highest quality of work and assured that the company would actively engage with the local community once the project begins.

Some of the residents of affected areas who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also voiced their support for the project.

Ali Bala, a community member at Gayawa, commended the state government for addressing their long-standing concerns.

He noted that the erosion had been a major challenge, causing frequent flooding and damaging homes, roads, and farmlands.

Buba Sani of Bulbula, expressed happiness that the government has finally awarded a contract for the gully erosion control.

He said that erosion has been a serious problem in the neighbourhood for years.

By Muhammad Nur Tijani