The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing environmental degradation, flooding, and erosion in vulnerable communities across the state.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, gave the assurance during an inspection visit to the Bulbula Gayawa erosion site, which spans Nasarawa and Ungogo Local Government Areas. The visit was part of activities marking this year’s World Environment Day, observed globally on June 5.
Hashim said the visit served both commemorative and assessment purposes, focusing on ongoing intervention projects under the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
“This community has waited for this intervention for many years. During the campaign period, His Excellency promised to address this site, and today we are witnessing real progress on the ground,” he said.
He described the Bulbula Gayawa site as one of the most critical environmental challenges in the state, stretching over four kilometres and affecting several communities that have endured its impact for decades.
According to him, construction began about a year ago despite earlier doubts due to the project’s scale and complexity, adding that significant progress has been recorded.
Hashim said the erosion problem poses environmental, social, and security risks, citing incidents of flooding, restricted movement, and loss of lives, including children.
“This is not only an environmental issue. It is also a social and security concern,” he said.
He added that the project would improve safety, public health, and economic activities upon completion.
On the project’s technical details, the commissioner said the erosion channels have expanded from two to 13 due to years of degradation. He disclosed that the project includes five bridges, with some already completed and others under review.
He warned against indiscriminate dumping of waste into drainage systems.
“Such practices threaten the sustainability of this project and must stop,” he said, while calling for community cooperation.
He also urged residents to stay away from construction zones, especially children, citing safety concerns and recent cholera outbreaks.
“We have placed warning signs and carried out sensitisation to protect lives,” he added.
The commissioner expressed confidence that the project would be completed within the next year despite earlier timelines.
Project Coordinator of Kano ACReSAL, Aminu Gidado, said the erosion channel measures between 10 and 16 metres in width and extends about 2.8 kilometres to River Jakara.
He described it as a major drainage system serving key areas, including GRA, Nasarawa, and Tarauni.
Gidado said five bridges are being constructed at strategic intervals, while three existing bridges were retained after passing integrity tests. He added that one bridge at Gada would be demolished and rebuilt.
“Early rainfall has already started restoring confidence among residents as fears of flooding reduce,” he said.
He noted strong community support but identified waste dumping as a major challenge.
The coordinator said the project meets high engineering standards, with strict quality control measures, including regular testing and collaboration with experts from Bayero University Kano.
He explained that project timelines were adjusted following the expansion of erosion channels from five to 13, which required redesign and additional work.
Despite this, he maintained that completion within one year remains achievable.
In his remarks, the Ward Head of Bulbula, Buhari Isa Umar, said the project has reduced criminal activity in the area.
“Before this intervention, criminals used this place as a hideout. Now the situation has improved,” he said.
He also recalled past incidents in which women and children lost their lives due to erosion and expressed gratitude to the government for the intervention.
Residents now await the full completion of the project, which authorities say will bring lasting relief to affected communities.
