Katsina Governor Flags-Off Payment of Compensation to Owners of Properties Affected by Katsina ACReSAL Project

Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda PhD has Flagged off the payment of compensation to the tune of millions of naira for project affected persons in Katsina and Jibia ACReSAL Project sites.

Speaking at the flag off ceremony held at koramar Nayalli in Katsina Metropolis, the Governor who was represented by his Deputy Alhaji Faruk Lawal Jobe said the drainages construction forms part of campaign promises to the people as well as to execute projects that have direct bearing on the lives of the people especially those living within the project.

Katsina State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Faruk Lawal Jobe delivery a keynote address during the event

The Governor maintained that his administration will continue to place a premium on infrastructural development, social engagement and economic transformation particularly on agriculture.

Malam Dikko Umar Radda said that his eyes and ears are wide open and his legs still standing firm and strong to go round the nook and crannies of places ACReSAL Project is setting it goals in order to evaluate the pressing and immediate need of the State Project Management Unit in the state.

The Governor also explained that the Katsina town Stormwater Drainage management phase ll and Jibia River Bank Emergency Project Phase ll are aimed at opening up the entire state for social and economic activities.

Malam Dikko Radda described the projects as an important artery for the ease of not only access but the movement of goods and accessing education and health services within the Communities.

The Governor pointed out that the Katsina State Government remains committed to bringing a lasting solution to the problems of climate change in Communities and the state in general.

In a keynote address, the National Project Coordinator of ACReSAL Mr Abdulhamid Umar who was represented by the Environmental Safeguard Specialist Madam Theresa Ajiboye commended Katsina State Government for the roles played in the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) implementation exercise.

He urged the Katsina ACReSAL team to put in place safeguard measures to ensure smooth implementation of the project.

The NPC however said the RAP exercise is one of the criteria that pave ways for the contraction works to start.

Mr Abdulhamid Umar drew the attention of the State Project Management Unit to continue to sensitize the public till the end of the project.

The NPC commended the Katsina ACReSAL team for showing a team work strategy that will lead to record success in the RAP implementation exercise.

Mr Abdulhamid Umar called on other ACReSAL sister States to emulate the styles of Katsina ACReSAL for the upliftment and development of their states.

In his remark, the Katsina State Commissioner of Environment Alhaji Musa Adamu Funtua explained the modalities for the payment of compensation adding that the payment will be made in accordance with the Word bank guidelines.

The Commissioner also said the Federal team along with the Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Yobe and Kogi teams visited Jibia and Katsina sites to supervise the implementation of the Resettlement Action Plan for project affected persons in the areas.

According to him, this is to ensure that all those whose properties were affected are not omitted but also to be adequately compensated.

He expressed optimism that the present Katsina State Government under Malam Dikko Umar Radda is committed to alleviate the sufferings of the citizenry, ensuring a lasting solution to the climate change challenges.

The Commissioner therefore sought for the cooperation and partnership of all residents, especially with the contractors to ensure speedy completion of these projects aimed at improving the living standard of the people.

On his part the Katsina ACReSAL Project Coordinator Alhaji Halliru Mohammed highlighted the procedures the team would follow in implementing the exercise across the two Project sites.

He expressed gratitude to the state government, the world bank and the ACReSAL Federal office for their support and guidance that led Katsina ACReSAL to the level it is today.

In a vote of thanks, the magajin Garin Katsina Alhaji Aminu Abdulmumini Kabir represented by Wakilin kudi Alhaji Iliyasu urged his subjects not to stall the project because of disagreements over compensation to the affected Communities.

First left, Deputy Governor, Alhaji Faruk Lawal Jobe with other dignitaries during the event

A cross section of the beneficiaries, Marawiya Sa’adu katsina and Saadu Haruna Jibia appreciated Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda, the World bank and the ACReSAL Federal team for there love and passion for the people of Katsina State.

Children and host of community members at the RAP implementation flag-off ceremony