Auyo (Jigawa State), June 14 — The Jigawa State Government has distributed working equipment to 15 Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), engaged in aquatic weed removal and canal clearance as part of efforts to prevent flooding and protect vulnerable communities across the state.
Speaking during the launch of the intervention in Auyo Local Government Area, Governor Umar Namadi said the initiative underscored the government’s commitment to safeguarding riverine communities from the threats of flooding, environmental degradation and climate-related challenges.
Namadi said communities located along rivers and wetlands continue to face difficulties caused by invasive aquatic weeds, blocked channels and silted waterways, which often lead to flooding, destruction of farmlands and disruption of economic activities.
According to him, the programme is part of the administration’s broader strategy to promote environmental sustainability, strengthen climate resilience and encourage greater community participation in development efforts.
“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.
He noted that environmental challenges associated with land degradation, poor resource management and climate variability continue to place pressure on natural ecosystems and communities that depend on them for survival.
The governor stressed the need for sustained intervention to preserve water resources and prevent avoidable disasters, particularly in flood-prone riverine areas.
Namadi also highlighted recent investments made by the state government to enhance its capacity for waterway clearance and flood mitigation.
He disclosed that the state had procured two additional amphibious excavators under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, increasing the number of state-owned machines to four.
The governor said that with two other excavators earlier provided by the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, the state now possesses six amphibious excavators dedicated to weed clearance and canal dredging operations.
According to him, more than 180 kilometres of waterways have already been cleared across the state, while the newly acquired equipment is expected to accelerate ongoing interventions and further improve water flow in affected communities.
As part of the programme, the government distributed various working tools and materials to the beneficiary organisations identified by the Ministry of Environment.
The items 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 aimed at strengthening grassroots participation in environmental management and encouraging communities to take ownership of efforts to keep waterways open and functional.
He commended the beneficiary organisations for their contributions to environmental protection and community development, describing their efforts as critical to the success of the state’s environmental management programmes.
The governor urged the groups to utilise the equipment responsibly and maintain the materials for the benefit of their communities.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote environmental conservation, climate adaptation, afforestation, pollution control and sustainable management of natural resources.
Namadi subsequently declared the distribution exercise open and expressed optimism that the intervention would contribute significantly to reducing flood risks and improving livelihoods in affected communities.
