The Yobe State Government has curbed years of recurrent flooding in Damaturu with the construction of regulated waterways, offering relief to residents who long suffered losses during the rainy season.
The intervention, supported by the World Bank through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, has transformed a once-destructive stream that cuts through the state capital into a controlled channel designed to manage stormwater and prevent erosion.
For decades, seasonal rains turned the river into a raging flood that destroyed homes, farmlands and businesses, displacing families and eroding livelihoods along its nearly four-kilometre stretch.
Communities lived in constant fear as floodwaters routinely washed away crops, roads and property.
Under the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni, the state embarked on a large-scale flood and erosion control project aimed at reversing the trend. The reinforced canal now safely directs excess water away from residential areas, significantly reducing the risk of flooding.
Residents say the impact has been immediate.
Farmers who once lost entire harvests to floodwaters now report improved confidence and the ability to plan their farming activities without fear of sudden destruction. With riverbanks stabilised, many are preparing to expand production, including dry-season farming.
Traders and artisans operating near the former flood path have also welcomed the development. They say repeated damage to goods, tools and workshops had kept them trapped in survival mode for years.
The new channel, they note, has restored stability and reopened opportunities for business growth.
Families living close to the waterway say the project has ended years of anxiety marked by sleepless nights during heavy rains and frequent displacement.
Improved access roads and reduced flooding have also eased movement to markets and schools.
Explaining the technical scope of the project, the Yobe State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Shehu Muhammad, said the intervention goes beyond drainage. According to him, the canal is part of a broader water management system that collects and redirects stormwater to Sunsuma, where it is stored in a reservoir for irrigation purposes.
He noted that the approach not only prevents flooding but also supports year-round agriculture, contributing to climate resilience and environmental sustainability in the face of changing weather patterns.
As the project nears completion, Damaturu’s residents say the once-feared rainy season is gradually becoming a symbol of renewal, with the regulated waterway replacing years of destruction with stability and renewed hope.
Source: Leadership
