World Bank ACReSAL: A Winning Partnership for Kaduna State’s Sustainable Development

Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Dr. Uba Sani, has applauded the World Bank for its interest in Kaduna State, affirming that the ACReSAL project is a vital partnership with the state government. The governor’s commendation came during a courtesy visit by the World Bank and ACReSAL team to his office.

This collaboration has yielded significant results in addressing environmental challenges, including flooding and deforestation, he said.

The governor expressed his gratitude for ACReSAL’s support in tackling environmental problems, particularly the planned efforts to restore gully erosions in Zaria, Ligasa, and Kawo. He also praised the provision of swamp buggy equipment to control flooding.

Dr. Sani noted that Kaduna State is proactive in addressing land degradation, recognizing the need for sensitization and mobilization to combat climate change.

Recently, the state has made significant progress in addressing flooding problems by clearing over 160 kilometers of drainage networks within Kaduna, Kafachan, and Zaria. The Ministry of Environment is working with 2,400 youth to ensure clear drainage and a clean environment, reducing flood crises.

He noted that With the support of ACReSAL, the State Government unveiled a 10-year Climate Change Policy, trained 500 women, youth, and school-feeding vendors in the production of biomass briquettes as an alternative to wood fuel.

Identified 22,435 hectares of degraded land for land restoration, provided state-of-the-art weather station, procured the amphibious excavator (Swamp Buggy) which will desilt river beds and clear drainages to mitigate against flood.

The governor thanked the World Bank and ACReSAL for their support. He emphasized the need to work closely with the World Bank to achieve the project’s objectives.

Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, Task Team Leader of ACReSAL, disclosed that Kaduna State is always efficient whenever they engage with the World Bank. This is due to the governor’s ability to put the right people in the right positions.

She said that ACReSAL is performance-driven and announced the migration of Kaduna state to Tier 2, enabling the state to receive more funding for large investments and massive restoration work if commitment and capacity is retained and sustained.

The World Bank will continue to support Kaduna Statehrough ACReSAL. The only requirement is to have a policy framework passed by the state house to sustain the gains, knowledge, and capacity to implement ACReSAL independently, this is the sustainability and exit strategy for the Project, she said.