By Janefrances Chibundu

Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, has flagged off the construction of a N34 billion flood and gully erosion control project in Rigasa area of the state.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Sani said the project, which stretches from Rigasa ward in Igabi LGA to Tudun Wada ward in Kaduna South LGA, is designed to address decades of recurring flooding and gully erosion that have claimed lives and destroyed property in the area.

He said the project is the first of its kind in northern Nigeria and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to compensating affected residents before commencing infrastructure projects.

The governor announced the disbursement of about N2 billion in compensation to 1,000 residents whose properties would be affected.

“We promised that we would not demolish anyone’s property until adequate compensation had been paid. That is why we disbursed N2 billion today to about 1,000 people whose houses will be affected by the project,” the governor said.

“As a government, we have promised that the common man will not be short-changed in any manner.”

Sani said his administration has paid more than N5 billion in compensation for various projects across the state, adding that development should not come at the expense of citizens’ livelihoods.

The governor described the intervention as more than an infrastructure project, saying it is aimed at protecting communities vulnerable to flooding and land degradation.

He said the project would reduce flood risks, protect homes and public infrastructure, preserve economic assets, restore environmental stability and improve the safety of communities affected by recurrent flooding.

“Before constructing any road or embarking on any project, we pay compensation even before work begins. We do not want to destroy people’s livelihoods in the name of development,” he said.

“For many years, the people of Rigasa and Tudun Wada have borne the painful consequences of flooding and gully erosion. Families have watched homes disappear beneath advancing waters and collapsing landscapes.

“Critical infrastructure has been damaged, farmlands destroyed, livelihoods disrupted and dreams delayed. This intervention is therefore not only timely but transformative.”

Abubakar Buba, Kaduna commissioner for environment and natural resources, said the Rigasa-Tudun Wada intervention covers 17.8 kilometres.

Buba said the project would improve environmental conditions and enhance the socio-economic well-being of residents along the corridor while strengthening the government’s efforts towards environmental sustainability.

Source: TheCable