Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently intervene in tackling flooding, gully erosion and other climate-related challenges threatening about 1,800 communities across the state.
The governor made the appeal on Tuesday while commissioning solar-powered facilities, renovated chalets and improved water supply infrastructure at the Wikki Camp of the Yankari Game Reserve.
Represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau, Governor Mohammed said the affected communities required massive support to mitigate the impact of flooding and restore damaged livelihoods.
He said, “There are about 1,800 communities in the State that are prone to the climate-instigated challenges of natural flooding requiring massive support to mitigate the consequences and restore their livelihoods.”
He therefore urged the Federal Government to provide additional interventions to prevent the affected communities from suffering further hardship.
The governor also said his administration was committed to addressing climate-related challenges while promoting economic activities through investments in tourism, agriculture and other sectors.
According to him, the development of Yankari Game Reserve would boost tourism, create jobs and stimulate businesses in host communities.
He disclosed that the solarisation of the resort cost N2.69 billion, while renovation and upgrading of chalets and other accommodation facilities cost N166.16 million.
The improved water supply and reticulation project, he added, cost N110 million.
Governor Mohammed said the interventions were designed to improve visitors’ experience, encourage longer stays and increase economic activities around the reserve.
He urged traditional rulers, community leaders, residents and conservation stakeholders to protect the facilities, describing them as collective assets of the people of Bauchi State.
Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu, commended the governor for what he described as prudent utilisation of the Natural Resources Development Fund.
Shehu said the projects would directly impact residents and contribute to the growth of the tourism sector.
The State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Adamu Babayo Gabarin, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Chiroma Malle, and the Executive Chairman of Alkaleri LGA, Bappa Aliyu, also commended the government and the Federal Government for their support.
The commissioning is expected to strengthen tourism, wildlife conservation and economic opportunities in Alkaleri and neighbouring communities.
