By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Agro -Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL), has assured the Kwara State Government of support on the proposed revitalisation of Asa Dam Water Works in Ilorin, the state capital.
The National Project Coordinator
of ACReSAL, Mr. Abduhamid Umar, disclosed this during an assessment tour of Asa and Agba dams, as well as the Eruda bridge and other environmental challenging spots in the state capital.
According to him, Asa dam is one of the proposition that Kwara State Government submitted as part of its shopping list from the water sector.
The Project Coordinator, who disclose that ACReSAL is funded and supported by the World Bank through the Federal Government to support and resolve issues bordering on environment,
lamented that water hyacinth has taken over the Asa dam, which is meant to provide portable water to residents in the capital city and its environs.
He condemned the activities of the fishermen who regularly pollute the dam, while assuring of urgent government intervention to make the dam safe for public use.
”I am personally disappointed with what I saw here in Asa dam. The dilapidated, worn out and outdated facilities at the dam are worrisome.
”We are ready to revitalise the dam by investing in it for accumulative and other activities. This dam requires urgent rehabilitation and urgent intervention,” he added.
Umar disclosed that ACReSAL has secured a loan sum of $700 million to support the 19 Northern States, including FCT to tackle environmental and ecological challenges, adding that the project is anchored around three pillars, namely; Dry land management, Climate Smart Agricultural activities resilience and strengthening policies and institutions.
On her part, ACReSAL Task Team Leader, Dr Joy Agene, said that the project is aimed to support vulnerable communities and improve their livelihoods.
She said the project would specifically target the inclusion of vulnerable and marginalised groups, including women, youths and the elderly.
Agene urged the public to cooperate and work closely with ACReSA for the project to be achievable and benefiting to the communities.
The Kwara State Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Shehu Usman, described ACReSAL as a tripartite project that focused on Agriculture, Environment and Water.
“As you can see, the team has been to Eruda bridge and Asa dam water treatment plant to assess the situation independently. They want to make our environment conducive and safe for living,” he said .
The Kwara Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr Usman Lade, in his remarks, said due to the paucity of fund, the state seeks collaboration with ACReSAL in order to better the lives of the people.
Lade said aquaculture practices had affected Asa dam and the State is partnering with ACReSAL to ensure the dam is properly channelised to accommodate irrigation farming.
He also disclosed that the State is looking on how to extend the intervention to the three senatorial districts in the state.
The National Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, during the team’s visit to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, said they were in the palace to seek Emir’s blessings.
The Emir while responding assured the team of his maximum support whenever the need arises, while wishing them good luck in the execution of the task ahead.
Part of the activities at the Emir’s palace is the presentation of Sanya attires as a culture and custom of Ilorin tradition to the Task Team Leader and National Project Coordinator.