By Nneka Nwogwugwu
Sokoto State Government has tasked stakeholders in the environment sector to safeguard the N2.8 billion completed Mabera Water Storm project.
The stakeholders comprised environmental managers, community groups, traditional institutions among others.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 18.5 kilometers erosion control project is part of Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) executed in collaboration between the World Bank and the state government.
The state Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Sagir Bafarawa, stated this at the end of a six-day sensitisation exercise on the project, on Friday in Sokoto.
Bafarawa said the exercise was part of exit strategies organised for environmental managers and the benefiting communities on how to safeguard the project in their domain.
He said the benefiting communities including farmers, government officials, environmental managers and others are expected to take ownership and ensure adequate monitoring of the water storm project.
He cautioned residents against indiscriminate dumping of waste and other activities that could blockade water ways and destroy the embarkment.
Bafarawa reiterated government commitment to tackle the menace of erosion towards improving the livelihood of the people.