World Bank to protect 213,000 Bauchi residents from flood with erosion project

More than 213,000 Bauchi residents will be protected from worsening gully erosion and flooding under a new N29.69 billion World Bank-funded project launched on Wednesday by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.

Governor Mohammed, who flagged off the project aimed at protecting Bauchi metropolis from worsening gully erosion and storm-water damage, noted that the project, under the World Bank-funded Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes initiative, ACReSAL, would target erosion channels, running from Tsohon Kamfani to Gwallagan Mayaka within the State Capital.

“It is being implemented jointly by the Federal Government, Bauchi State Government, and ACReSAL”, the governor noted.

Governor Mohammed said the State had paid 40% of the contract sum as mobilisation to Triacta Nigeria Limited and had the full amount ready, urging the contractor to deliver on schedule, saying there would be no excuse for delay.

“This event is far more than the commencement of a construction project. It represents another bold milestone in our administration’s commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection, urban renewal, public health, economic growth, and the well-being of our people”, he said.

The governor added that stormwater pathways in the area had grown into erosion corridors up to 60 meters wide and 50 meters deep, destroying homes, farmlands, roads, and livelihoods.

He said the intervention is expected to restore 9,842 hectares of degraded land and provide protection for more than 213,000 residents.

He described the project as a key part of the Bauchi Urban Renewal Project and Bauchi Project II, both designed to modernize infrastructure and build climate-resilient communities.

Governor Bala Mohammed also stressed the importance of community involvement in implementation and monitoring, saying, “Deepening stakeholding means ensuring that those you think are nothing are part and parcel of project implementation and monitoring and evaluation.”

On his part, Abdulhamid Umar, ACReSAL National Project Coordinator said that the groundbreaking a major step in tackling flooding, erosion, land degradation, and other climate threats facing vulnerable communities.

Umar, who was represented by Ugo Albert, said the project would safeguard lives, infrastructure, and the environment while supporting sustainable landscape management.

He commended Mohammed’s support for ACReSAL and urged contractors and consultants to maintain high standards of quality, safety, and professionalism in line with approved designs and timelines.