By Abdallah el-Kurebe
Governor Aminu Tambuwal has disclosed that the Sokoto state government had earmarked N20 billion for the execution of agricultural and environmental projects across the 23 local governments of the state.
He made the disclosure on Wednesday at the inauguration of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).
According to him, “We are embarking
on these projects, which include the rehabilitation and construction of
irrigation facilities, earth dams, as well as the provision of water for irrigation and livestock, across the 23 local governments of the state.
While stating that the state government had paid N1.3 billion as its counterpart contribution to the NEWMAP project, the governor added that the World Bank had made its N5.5 billion contribution to the project.
He explained that the Lugu dam devastated in 2012 as well as Wurno irrigation scheme would be rehabilitated by the project.
“The collapse of the dam in 2012 resulted in the destruction of 1,200 hectares of irrigable land, while over 3,000 farmers lost their means of livelihood,” Tambuwal stressed adding that “The state government would team up with the World Bank and other
partners to mitigate desertification, deforestation and other ecological challenges.”
The World Bank Task Team Leader of the Project, Dr Amos Abu said that 19 states were currently benefiting from the project.
The state Project Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Gatawa stated that the project was being implemented in Sokoto North, Wurno, Sabon Birni, Goronyo, Gada, Tangaza, Tureta, Bodinga, Tambuwal and Illela local governments.
