Jigawa Distributes Equipment to CBOs to Tackle Flooding, Clear Waterways
By Hassan TURAKI, Jigawa
The Jigawa State Government has distributed working equipment to 15 Community-Based Organizations to strengthen efforts aimed at clearing waterways and reducing flood risks in riverine communities across the state.
Governor Malam Umar Namadi launched the intervention on Saturday in Auyo Local Government Area, saying the initiative recognizes the critical role local communities play in protecting waterways and safeguarding livelihoods.
Speaking at the event, Governor Namadi said many communities along rivers and wetlands continue to face challenges from invasive aquatic weeds, blocked channels, and silted waterways that often lead to flooding, damage to farmland, and disruption of economic activities.
He described the program as part of the administration’s broader push to promote environmental sustainability, strengthen climate resilience, and encourage community participation in development.
“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,” the governor said.
Governor Namadi noted that environmental challenges linked to land degradation, poor resource management, and climate variability continue to place pressure on natural ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
To boost capacity for waterway clearance and flood mitigation, he disclosed that the state has procured two additional amphibious excavators under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project.
With the new machines, the state now operates four amphibious excavators. The Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority has provided two others, bringing the total to six dedicated to weed clearance and canal dredging.
The governor said more than 180 kilometers of waterways have already been cleared, and the additional equipment will accelerate interventions and further reduce flood risks in vulnerable areas.
As part of the distribution, the Ministry of Environment provided the 15 beneficiary organizations with materials including 10,000 sacks, 25 canoes, 1,000 sickles, 500 cutlasses, 500 shovels, 500 headpans, 300 pairs of boots, 200 axes, 100 pairs of gumboots, and 40 rolls of rubber rope.
Governor Namadi urged the groups to use the equipment properly and maintain it for community benefit, commending them for their commitment to environmental protection and service.
He assured that the Jigawa State Government will continue to support initiatives on environmental conservation, climate adaptation, afforestation, pollution control, and responsible management of natural resources.
