Beatrice Gondyi Bauchi
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has officially flagged off a major N29.69 billion flood and erosion control project aimed at tackling longstanding environmental challenges in Bauchi metropolis.
The project, inaugurated on Wednesday under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) programme, will focus on controlling severe gully erosion and stormwater channels stretching from Tsohon Kamfani to Gwallagan Mayaka communities.
Funded through support from the World Bank in partnership with the Federal Government, Bauchi State Government, and ACReSAL, the initiative is designed to provide sustainable solutions to worsening environmental degradation in the state capital.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Mohammed revealed that the state government had already paid 40 percent of the contract value as mobilization to the project contractor, Triacta Nigeria Limited, with the full contract sum secured.
He emphasized that the contractor is fully expected to deliver the project within the agreed timeframe.
According to the governor, the intervention goes beyond infrastructure development, describing it as a strategic investment in environmental sustainability, urban renewal, public safety, and economic growth.
“This project marks another bold step in our administration’s commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection, urban renewal, and the well-being of our citizens,” Mohammed stated.
He explained that the project forms a critical part of the Bauchi Urban Renewal agenda and aligns with the broader Bauchi Project II framework focused on building climate-resilient communities.
Governor Mohammed noted that what were once minor stormwater pathways had expanded over the years into destructive erosion channels measuring as much as 60 meters wide and 50 meters deep, causing massive destruction to homes, roads, farmlands, and livelihoods.
Upon completion, the project is expected to restore approximately 9,842 hectares of degraded land while safeguarding over 213,000 residents from recurring flood and erosion threats.
The governor commended Triacta Nigeria Limited for accepting the responsibility and praised the World Bank, the Federal Government, and the Bauchi ACReSAL team, led by State Project Coordinator Dr. Ibrahim Kabir, for their collective support.
He also stressed the importance of active community participation in monitoring and implementation to ensure transparency, accountability, and long-term success.
The project is widely seen as a transformative environmental intervention that will significantly improve infrastructure resilience and protect vulnerable communities across Bauchi metropolis.
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