Taraba Flags Off Major Erosion Control Projects as ACReSAL Tasks Contractors on Quality, Speed
By Hilary John
The Taraba State Project Coordinator of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape, ACReSAL Dr. Yakubu Giwa Clement, has expressed appreciation to the state government for providing an enabling environment for the project’s success.
Speaking during the contract-signing event, he explained that ACReSAL is a multi-sector initiative focusing on land management, climate change mitigation and other environmental interventions.
Dr. Clement said the day’s event was meant to finalize agreements for major projects aimed at tackling gully erosion and managing storm water.
He noted that the team had passed through several stages to reach this point, with procurement procedures already outlined.
The Bobboji project, he said, spans about four kilometres and will feature bioengineering, bio-degradation and plantation activities aimed at restoring degraded land and reducing climate impacts.
According to him, the goal is to position Taraba as a leading state in land reclamation under ACReSAL.
He added that the projects are backed by safeguards and reclamation plans designed to protect affected communities.
Similar initiatives are already underway in Jalingo and Takum.
Dr. Clement commended the contractors for their strong submissions and urged them to meet the required standards and deadlines.
He also asked them to state publicly when they intend to complete the Bobboji project in Jalingo market and the Ndibam gully erosion control project in Takum.
Congratulating the selected contractors, he said they were chosen based on merit and their compliance with World Bank procurement guidelines. He expressed confidence that the contract terms would be fully respected.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Hon Aminu Kotolo, advised the contractors to adhere strictly to specifications, assuring that the technical committee will conduct regular site visits to monitor progress.
He urged them to deliver a quality job that will make the state proud.
Engineer Akin Fagbohun (FNSE), one of the contractors, thanked ACReSAL and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change for the rigorous selection process.
He reaffirmed that quality and timely delivery remain top priorities. He pledged to complete the over ₦9 billion project within the 18-month deadline or possibly earlier.
Also speaking, Ke Youcheng, Business Manager of CGC Nigeria Limited, appreciated the award of two contracts to the company.
He said the Boboji storm water control project in the Jalingo market area will include culverts, drainage systems and beautification works.
He assured that the ₦6.17 billion project will be delivered within the stipulated 18-months period.
