By Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse
Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating environmental degradation with an increased investment of nearly N3 billion in the ongoing Kila Erosion Control Project in Gwaram Local Government Area.
The governor made the announcement on Friday during an inspection of the erosion control project alongside ongoing road and bridge construction works in Gwaram LGA, where he expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work while directing contractors to expand the scope of the project to ensure its long-term effectiveness.
According to him, the decision to increase the project’s value followed the need to reinforce additional sections of the drainage channels and stone pitching to provide a more durable and lasting solution to the erosion menace threatening the community.
“You can see that gully erosion poses a serious threat not only to land, but also to families, livelihoods and entire communities. What we have seen today in Kila is a clear example of why government must continue to invest in erosion control,” Governor Namadi said.
He described Kila as one of the oldest settlements in the emirate, noting that residents had lived under the constant threat of devastating gully erosion for more than a decade.
“Kila is one of the oldest settlements in this emirate, and for more than a decade the community has lived under the constant threat of gully erosion, which has already consumed a significant portion of the town,” he added.
Governor Namadi commended the quality of the ongoing work, particularly the stone pitching and drainage construction, but ordered the contractor to strengthen additional sections to guarantee the project’s sustainability.
“From what we have inspected today, we are satisfied with the progress of the work. However, I have directed the contractors to increase the extent of the stone pitching and reinforce additional sections of the drainage channels so that the project will stand the test of time,” he stated.
The governor expressed optimism that the intervention would permanently end the erosion challenges confronting the community, saying residents had endured years of destruction to lives, property and livelihoods.
“The people of Kila have endured this problem for many years, and by the grace of Almighty Allah, we have intervened to address it. I am optimistic that once this project is completed, the erosion problem in Kila will become a thing of the past,” he said.
Governor Namadi also revealed that the state government had begun discussions with the Federal Ecological Project Office to strengthen collaboration in addressing erosion challenges across Jigawa.
While expressing confidence that the partnership would yield positive results, he stressed that the state would continue taking practical steps to safeguard vulnerable communities instead of waiting for external intervention.
The governor disclosed that Jigawa had already executed major erosion control projects worth over N10 billion under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project in Danmasara and Kalgo communities.
He added that similar interventions would soon be extended to other erosion-prone areas across the state.
Responding to questions on the cost of the Kila project, Governor Namadi explained that the contract was initially awarded at about N2.6 billion, but the additional reinforcement ordered during the inspection would increase the project cost to approximately N3 billion.
As part of the inspection tour, the governor also visited the ongoing reconstruction of bridges along the Gwaram–Basirka Road and other road infrastructure projects, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to regular monitoring of capital projects to ensure quality delivery and value for public funds.
