The World Bank, along with the federal and Kwara state governments, has established a tripartite partnership to address challenges related to water resources, agriculture, and land reclamation caused by ecological factors in parts of Kwara state.
During a tour of the Eruda, Ojaiya/Ita-Amodu erosion control projects, and the Asa Dam water treatment plant in Ilorin, experts from the World Bank, Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL), and members of the state executive council highlighted the state’s eligibility for a $700 million loan for land reclamation.
Mallam Abdulhameed Umar, the national project coordinator of ACReSAL, emphasized the theme of the first intervention visit: “Acceleration of ACReSAL projects’ implementation in Kwara state.” He explained that the World Bank funds ACReSAL, with the federal government borrowing $700 million through the Ministry of Finance to address environmental, agricultural, and water-related issues. Nineteen northern states and Abuja can access these funds to combat ecological effects, climate change, and land degradation, contingent upon the payment of counterpart funds.
Umar added that the project aims to alleviate poverty in rural areas by reclaiming degraded lands to boost agriculture. The project is based on three pillars: dry land management, climate-smart agricultural practices, and strengthening policies and institutions to ensure the project’s sustainability.
During the assessment of the Asa Dam waterworks, Umar noted that water hyacinth had overtaken the source of potable water and that the treatment plant’s equipment was both dilapidated and obsolete. He expressed support for the state government’s plan to revitalize the waterworks to provide clean drinking water and addressed the pollution caused by local fishing activities, calling for alternative livelihoods for the affected people. He stressed the urgent need for dam rehabilitation.
Sheu Ndanusa Usman, the state Environment Commissioner and state steering committee chairman of ACReSAL, expressed concern over the widespread erosion due to ecological problems, deforestation, and overgrazing. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring the partnership benefits the people of Kwara state.
The team also paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulugambari.
