By Mohammed Abubakar Dutse
With the rainy season setting in properly, the Jigawa state government at the weekend took steps to ensure that it mitigates the yearly flooding that occurs in some parts of the state, not only to avoid economic losses but also the loss of lives.
One of such practices steps was the launch and the distribution
of working equipment to 15 Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) involved in aquatic weed removal and canal clearance across the state.
Governor Umar Namadi, who flagged off the exercise, restated the state government’s resolve to protect communities vulnerable to flooding and environmental degradation with the distribution at Auyo local government
Namadi said the initiative reflects the state’s recognition of the important role local communities play in protecting waterways, preserving livelihoods, and reducing environmental risks.
He stated that many communities situated along rivers and wetlands continue to face challenges arising from invasive aquatic weeds, blocked channels, and silted waterways, conditions that often contribute to flooding, damage farmlands, and disrupt economic activities.
According to the governor, the programme forms part of the broader efforts of the state administration to promote environmental sustainability, strengthen climate resilience, and encourage community participation in development initiatives.
“Our rivers, wetlands, and water channels are not only environmental assets; they are sources of livelihood for thousands of people through farming, fishing, livestock production and other economic activities. Protecting them is therefore a responsibility we must all share,” he said.
Governor Namadi observed that environmental challenges linked to land degradation, poor resource management and climate variability continue to mount pressure on natural ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
He emphasized that sustained intervention is necessary to preserve these resources and prevent avoidable disasters, particularly in riverine areas where the impact of flooding can be severe.
The governor also highlighted recent investments made by the state government to expand its capacity for waterway clearance and flood mitigation.
He disclosed that two additional amphibious excavators had been procured under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, bringing the number of state-owned machines to four.
Combined with two excavators earlier provided by the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, the state now has six amphibious excavators dedicated to weed clearance and canal dredging operations.
He explained that the additional equipment would accelerate ongoing interventions across affected areas and build upon the progress already recorded.
More than 180 kilometres of waterways have already been cleared. With the additional machinery now available, we expect to improve water flow further and reduce flood risks in vulnerable communities.”
As part of the programme, the government distributed a range of working materials to the fifteen beneficiary organizations identified by the Ministry of Environment to support their activities in canal clearance and environmental sanitation.
The items distributed included 10,000 bulk-sized empty sacks, 25 large canoes, 1,000 sickles, 500 cutlasses, 500 shovels, 500 headpans, 300 boots, 200 axes, 100 pairs of gumboots, and 40 rolls of rubber ropes.
Namadi said the support was intended to strengthen grassroots participation in environmental management and encourage communities to take ownership of efforts aimed at keeping waterways open and functional.
He commended the beneficiary organizations for their commitment to community service and environmental protection, describing their contributions as vital to the success of the state’s environmental management programmes.
The governor urged the groups to make proper use of the equipment and ensure that the materials are carefully maintained for the benefit of their communities.
He further assured that the Jigawa State Government would continue to support initiatives that promote environmental conservation, climate adaptation, afforestation, pollution control, and responsible management of natural resources.
The State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Nura Ibrahim Kazaure, in his opening remarks described the initiative as a reflection of the the governor’s commitment to the peoples’ welfare especially those in the riverine areas who have been at the receiving end of the perennial flooding.
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