Kwara State gains ACReSAL support for Asa Dam waterworks revamp
An international development agency, Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL), has announced its support for the Kwara State Government’s initiative to revitalize Asa Dam waterworks in Ilorin. Abdulhamid Umar, the National Project Coordinator for ACReSAL, highlighted the state government’s commitment to enhancing the potable water supply in the capital city during an assessment tour on Thursday.
Mr. Umar assessed Asa and Agba dams, the Eruda Bridge, and other environmentally challenged areas in Ilorin.
He noted that Asa Dam, initially intended to provide drinking water, has been overrun by water hyacinth and pollution from fishing activities, necessitating urgent intervention.
“I am personally disappointed with what I saw here in Asa Dam. The shabby, worn out and outdated facilities at the dam are worrisome. We are ready to revitalize the dam by investing in it for accumulative and other activities. This dam requires urgent rehabilitation and intervention,” Mr. Umar said.
ACReSAL, funded and supported by the World Bank through the Federal Government, has secured a $700 million loan to support environmental and ecological challenges across 19 northern states and the FCT. The project focuses on three pillars: Dryland management, climate-smart agricultural activities, and strengthening policies and institutions.
Joy Agene, ACReSAL Task Team Leader, emphasized the project’s goal to support vulnerable communities and improve livelihoods, particularly targeting women, youths, and older people. She called for public cooperation to ensure the project’s success.
Shehu Usman, the State Commissioner for Environment and Forestry, expressed that ACReSAL’s team is in Kwara to understand local conditions and effectively implement their projects. He described ACReSAL as a tripartite initiative focusing on agriculture, environment, and water.
Commissioner for Water Resources, Usman Lade, mentioned the state’s collaboration with ACReSAL is vital due to the need for additional funds.
He pointed out that aquaculture practices have affected Asa Dam, and the partnership aims to adapt the dam for irrigation farming and extend intervention efforts to the state’s three senatorial districts.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ACReSAL team, World Bank representatives, and state officials conducted a facilities assessment tour of the Asa and Agba dams and the Eruda Bridge.
