The Mabera Storm Water Management Works embarked upon by the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project NEWMAP Sokoto has been completed.
State Commissioner Ministry of Environment Alhaji Sagir Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa stated this at the opening ceremony of a six day Workshop/Sensitisation on Exit Strategy for Mabera Storm Water Management Works for Tudun Wada/Mabera Communities and other Stakeholders.
It was organised by the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project NEWMAP in collaboration with the World Bank, held in the Auditorium of the Sultan Muhammad Maccido Institute for Qur’an and General Studies, Sokoto.
Alhaji Sagir Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa who is also the Chairman State Steering Committee for NEWMAP Sokoto said, that is the whole essence of conducting the Workshop.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Alhaji Muazu Abubakar Madawaki called on Traditional and Religious leaders and Associations in Mabera area and its environs to sensitize people on the importance of safeguarding and taking the ownership of the Project to achieve the desired results.
He also counselled residents to desist from dumping refuse in the drainages to avoid blockage.
He noted that, the Environmental Sanitation laws no 7 2015 is still in force.
He further said, all the remaining areas affected by the flood, will be covered by the Project.
According to him, the current administration of Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal Mutawallen Daular Uthmaniyya embarked on the billion of Naira Project in Mabera area to address the perennial flooding being experienced in every rainy season in the area as well as ensuring the livelihoods activities of the people.
He also called on the people of the area to continue support government programs and policies aimed at ensuring development in the State.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Environment Alhaji Muazu Abubakar Madawaki who spoke through Managing Director SEPA Malam Kasimu Muhammad Yabo noted that, the Ministry of Environment and NEWMAP Sokoto have done a lot in the realisation of the Project.
He called on people affected by the Project to safeguard it against vandalisation.
Speaking, the National Project Coordinator Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project NEWMAP Federal Dr Salisu Dahiru represented by The Environmental Specialist, Mrs. Therasa Ajiboye traced the history of the NEWMAP saying that, about twenty three States are participating in the Project.
She said the whole idea of creating the NEWMAP was to manage Erosion and Watershed in Nigeria.
The representatives of the NPC however, warned residents of Mabera area to desist from dumping refuse in the drainages to achieve success.
In their good will messages, the representatives of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Bello Idris called on the beneficiaries of the Works to safeguard it against vandalisation.
He said, time has gone where the government takes maitainance of the Projectbut the Community concerned should take the responsibility.
Also the District Head of Gagi Alhaji Sani Umar jabbi in his good will message commended Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal Mutawallen Daular Uthmaniyya through the Project for executing laudable Project in Mabera area.
Alhaji Sani Umar jabbi explained that, various governments have come and gone and left the problem of Mabera unattended except the current administration of Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
He assured of taking the ownership and safeguarding the Project in order to achieve the desired results.
He warned the beneficiaries against harming the Project with anything.
Highlights of the occasion was the drama presentation by the Kwatarne Group, and praise singers by Oruma and Dansha Ukku on the importance of ownership and sustainability of Mabera Storm Water Works by the Communities.
