Distribution of ACReSAL waste and environmental management equipment

I am delighted to welcome you all to this important occasion of the official launching and distribution of waste and environmental management equipment procured under the World Bank supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape Project, popularly known as ACReSAL.

This event is not just about the commissioning of equipment and materials; it is about reaffirming our collective commitment to environmental sustainability, public health, and resilience in the face of climate change.

Fellow citizens, you may wish to recall that the ACReSAL project is a landmark initiative designed to strengthen the capacity of semi-arid states like ours to manage land, water, and other natural resources more effectively. Through this intervention, we are addressing critical challenges such as desertification, flooding, poor waste management, food insecurity and the degradation of our ecosystems.

At this juncture, permit me to remind you that within the period of two and a half years of our administration, we have through ACReSAL implemented various land restoration interventions, livelihood activities and service delivery improvements that have resulted in the recovery of over 30,000 hectares of degraded land and reached over 2.5 million beneficiaries across the project areas. The specific interventions include:

• Construction of Katsina Town Stormwater Drainage Management Phase II.
• Construction of Riverbank Protection for Jibia Town Flood Control Phase II.
• Construction of Water Harvesting Structure for Irrigation behind Ambassador Quarters Katsina.
• Desilting of constructed drainages in Katsina, Jibia, Malumfashi and Funtua.
• Construction of 180 Solar Powered Boreholes across the State for water supply and irrigation.
• Procurement of 80,000 tons of fertilizer to improve farming activities along the project corridors.
• Procurement of 38No Tractors.
• Procurement of waste disposal truck, pay-loader, steer wheel loader and power tiller machines.
• Procurement and distribution of improved seeds, herbicides, insecticides and Knapsack sprayers.
• Procurement of Swamp buggy machine for dredging of dams and river channels.
• Rehabilitation of Dikke, Kabukawa and Daura Plants Nurseries including raising, distribution and institutional planting of various types of seedlings.
• Procurement and distribution of Energy Efficient Stoves.
• Provision of logistic support, ICT facilities and institutional strengthening for collaborating State MDAs and personnel, and
• Commenced the construction of water conservation structures at Sabon Layin Galadima in Faskari LGA.

Ladies and gentlemen, the materials and equipment we are about to launch and distribute include 4,000 units of Energy Efficient Stoves, 5No. Bobcat machines, Heavy Duty Truck and Payloader, Swamp Buggy Machine and 38No. Tractors.

Today, with the distribution of these modern waste and environmental management materials and equipment, we are equipping our local governments, agencies, and communities with the tools they need to keep Katsina clean, safe, and sustainable. This will enhance sanitation, reduce pollution, increase food production and improve the quality of life for our people.

I wish to sincerely appreciate the World Bank and our partners in the ACReSAL project for their support and collaboration. Their investment in our environment is an investment in the health, prosperity, and future of Katsina State.

I also commend the Ministry of Environment and all stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to ensure that this project is implemented successfully.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, let me emphasize that the success of this initiative depends not only on government but on all of us. Environmental management is a shared responsibility. I therefore call on our communities, civil society organizations, and citizens to make effective use of these facilities, to adopt responsible waste disposal, environmental management and agricultural practices, and to join hands with government in protecting our environment.

As we launch and distribute these materials and equipment today, let us remember that we are laying the foundation for a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Katsina State. Together, we can build a future where our environment is not a burden but a blessing.

On this note, I hereby declare the waste and environmental management materials and equipment officially launched and distributed.

Thank you, and may Allah The Almighty Bless Katsina State.