FLASH POINT

By Shehu Yahaya

The Kaduna State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, has commenced the distribution of compensation cheques to residents affected by the Rigasa Gully Erosion Control Project in Igabi Local Government Area.

Speaking at the flag-off of the exercise, the District Head of Rigasa, Architect Alhaji Aminu Idris, Danglazimin Zazzau, urged beneficiaries and other residents to support the project, noting that its long-term benefits would far outweigh the compensation being paid.

He said the erosion control project would protect lives and property, improve infrastructure and restore the environment, stressing that community cooperation would be crucial to its successful implementation.

Also addressing the gathering, the Chairman of Igabi Local Government Council, Alhaji Abdul Sani, appealed to residents of the affected communities to give the state government and contractors maximum cooperation to ensure the timely completion of the project.

According to him, the intervention is expected to address the persistent gully erosion challenge in Rigasa and enhance socio-economic development in the area.

The Kaduna State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Hajiya Hadiza Ibrahim Khalid, said all beneficiaries underwent a comprehensive screening and verification process before the commencement of the compensation exercise.

She explained that the verification was conducted in line with the project’s Resettlement Action Plan to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries received compensation, assuring residents that the process was transparent and fair.

Hajiya Hadiza further appealed to members of the community to remain peaceful and cooperate with government officials and contractors throughout the implementation of the project, adding that ACReSAL is committed to promoting environmental sustainability, climate resilience and improved livelihoods across Kaduna State.

The Rigasa Gully Erosion Control Project is one of the environmental restoration initiatives being implemented under the ACReSAL programme to tackle land degradation, mitigate the effects of climate change and protect vulnerable communities from environmental hazards