By Abdullahi Lukman
The Kaduna State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project has begun a sensitisation exercise for residents of Rigasa, Tudun Wada, Kawo and parts of Zaria in preparation for the implementation of a major gully erosion control project in the affected areas.
The exercise forms part of the project’s Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), which is designed to brief communities on forthcoming construction activities, highlight potential social and environmental impacts, and explain compensation procedures for persons likely to be affected.
Addressing residents during the engagement, the Kaduna State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Hadiza Halid, said the sensitisation was necessary because some homes, farmlands and economic trees along the erosion corridors would be impacted during construction.
She noted that consultants engaged by the project had already carried out surveys to identify affected persons and assured residents that compensation would be paid in accordance with approved guidelines.
“This sensitisation is targeted mainly at those who will be directly affected by the construction.
Government will compensate all affected persons for any loss incurred during the process,” Ms Halid said, stressing that community cooperation was vital to the success of the project and long-term environmental sustainability.
ACReSAL is a collaborative initiative involving the Kaduna State Government, the Federal Government and the World Bank, aimed at combating climate-induced environmental degradation while improving livelihoods in vulnerable communities.
Also speaking, the NGO Focal Consultant to Kaduna ACReSAL, Umar Dahiru, said Rigasa, Kawo, Tudun Wada and parts of Zaria were identified as erosion-prone corridors due to persistent flooding and expanding gullies.
He disclosed that construction works would commence soon to mitigate flooding and other environmental risks, adding that the project aligns with the Kaduna State Government’s environmental priorities under Governor Uba Sani.
Community leaders in the affected areas welcomed the intervention, describing it as timely and critical
to saving lives and property.
The District Head of Rigasa, Aminu Idris, said the community had endured years of severe erosion, particularly during the rainy season, leading to loss of farmlands, destruction of homes and, in some cases, loss of lives.
“This project gives our people hope that the long-standing erosion problem will finally be addressed,” he said.
Similarly, the District Head of Kawo, Jibrin Magaji, described the project as unexpected but highly welcome, noting that erosion and flooding along the river had caused significant hardship for residents.
He urged community members to seek information only from official sources and avoid rumours, assuring them that compensation would be transparent and in line with international standards.
“Nobody will be cheated.
The funds are available, and the government is ready to pay,” he said, adding that the exercise also includes sensitisation and revalidation of affected properties.
Residents also expressed optimism about the project. A community member, Asmau Sadiq, said years of erosion had destroyed houses and access
roads, including her own property.
Another resident, Sadiq Lawal, noted that the project would ease the fear residents experience during every rainy season, while a community elder, Musa Abdullahi, called for sustained engagement and transparency in compensation.
The Parish Priest of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Kawo, Rev. Francis Tsan, also commended the sensitisation, describing it as timely and reassuring.
“If this project is implemented as planned, it will benefit the entire community and greatly reduce annual destruction,” he said.
ACReSAL officials reiterated their commitment to implementing the gully erosion control project in line with best practices to protect lives, livelihoods and enhance climate resilience across vulnerable communities in Kaduna State.
