The Kwara Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (KWACReSAL) has embarked on sensitization and awareness for the immediate execution of projects in the communities slated for various interventions in the State.
The first three communities visited recently included Lata-Nna community in Patigi Local Government, Alapa community in Asa Local Government, and Shonga in Edu Local Government.
The KWACReSAL team was led by the State Project Coordinator,(SPC) Alhaji Shamsideen Olatunbosun Aregbe.
Speaking during the visit to Shonga community, the SPC explained that one of the mandates of the project is the restoration degraded lands in Kwara State.
He reiterated that 2,000 hectares of degraded lands had been earmarked for restoration in Shonga alone with its shape file ready. The intervention will also include the drilling of solar powered boreholes, which will be reticulated for irrigation purposes for seedlings planted through the project.
Alhaji Aregbe said with the directive of the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, it became imperative for the team to visit the Emir of Shonga, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Haliru Ndanusa Yahaya and his community members to update them of the swift commencement of activities for the project in the community.
He further noted that labour will be sourced within the community, which will help to improve the economy of members of the community.
In his response to the KWACReSAL delegation, the Emir of Shonga, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Haliru Ndanusa Yahaya, expressed delight at the Executive Governor of Kwara State, the World Bank, and the ACReSAL for selecting Shonga as one of the communities to benefit from the intervention.
He stressed the devastating impacts of perennial flooding on farming activities and livelihoods. Adding that, “flooding has become massive to the extent that it overspills, causing havoc to our farming system”.
“We are delighted that this project is timely and prompt, hoping that it achieves its goals for the betterment of Shonga and its environs”, the Emir added.
During the visit to Lata-Nna Community, the SPC reassured the community that development activities will commence on the Lata Grazing Reserve as promised by ACReSAL.
“The Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has directed that we should immediately commence the development of the Lata Grazing Reserve.
“So, we tell you today that this is just the begining of the various benefits Lata- Nna community is going to enjoy from the ACReSAL project because Lata is one of our catchment areas and whatever development is coming to Kwara, Lata will not be left out”, he added.
“We will create access roads to the Grazing Reserve, drill six solar powered boreholes, which will be used for human consumption and irrigation purposes, install solar lights in Lata, and also plant economic trees and grasses for grazing of animals.”
Lending his voice, the Director of Forestry, Alhaji Idris Mahmud Babatunde, stressed that the intervention will help create alternative solutions to climate issues as well as the reduction of herders-farmers conflicts in the community and the State.
On his part, the Director of Water Services, Engr. Wopa Yusuf praised the Governor for the laudable projects to the community, soliciting the support of the community members towards the achievement of the objectives of the project.
In her contribution, the Developmental Officer for Patigi Local Government, Hajia Fatimah Asabe Jiyah, who was also part of the team, commended the Governor for the inclusion of women in his administration.
She decried the growing rate of deforestation in communities and encouraged the people to embrace the ACReSAL Project for their own economic advancement.
In his response, the District Head of the Lata-Nna community, Etsu Yankpa of Lata, Ahmed Mohammed appreciated the State government, World Bank and ACReSAL, praying that all pledges will be fulfilled in quick succession as promised.
During the sensitization meeting at Alapa, the Project Coordinator said 1,000 hectares have been earmarked for planting of trees, which will begin in earnest.
“Alapa is one of the catchment areas under Asa, so we are commencing the intervention immediately, as directed by His Excellency, with the rehabilitation of the Alapa Waterworks” he buttressed.
Similarly, Engr Wopa informed the gathering that work on the rehabilitation of Alapa waterworks has been finalized for execution, stating that the deteriorated pumps will be revived and the drilled boreholes will be reticulated for human consumption and irrigation.
He, therefore, called on the community members to protect the amenities jealously to avoid damages.
Representing the Focal NGO team at the visit, Alhaji Mohammed Jummah Kayode reassured the community members of ACReSAL’s commitment to fulfilling its project development objectives, urging them to offer their total support towards the success of the project.
The Magaji of Alapa, meanwhile, thanked the State government, the World Bank and the ACReSAL team for their commitment, promising to fully aid the intervention project in the community.
