Jigawa Begins River Embankment Project To Protect Flood-Prone Communities

The Jigawa State Government has begun constructing embankments along the Hadejia River to protect flood-prone communities from the devastating effects of seasonal flooding.

Flagging off the project, the Special Adviser to Governor Umar Namadi on Community Inclusion and Flood Mitigation, Hamza Muhammad Hadejia, said the initiative was in fulfilment of the government’s commitment to protecting lives, homes and farmlands in vulnerable communities.

He said the first phase targets communities along the Hadejia River, adding that the project would later be extended to parts of Kirikasamma, Auyo and Guri Local Government Areas, subject to technical assessments.

The Councillor representing Arki Ward, Imam Uba, said communities including Arki, Agin, Sorakin, Matsa and Girdo villages would benefit from the first phase.

He noted that residents in the affected areas had endured years of recurring floods that destroyed homes and agricultural land.

In a related intervention, philanthropist Mallam Yusuf Mai-Tafada is constructing more than one kilometre of embankment in Tashena Village, Malam Madori Local Government Area.

The village head, Bulama Yunusah, described the project as a timely intervention that would help protect lives and livelihoods.

Residents of the benefiting communities welcomed both initiatives, expressing optimism that the embankments would reduce flood risks, safeguard farmlands, boost agricultural production and minimise the impact of annual flooding.

The projects come as governments across Nigeria step up flood mitigation measures following forecasts of above-normal flooding in several parts of the country during the current rainy season.