Katsina State Government is set to strengthen climate resilience, improve agricultural productivity and support vulnerable communities following the approval of additional counterpart funding for the World Bank supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi Arid Landscapes ACRISAL project.
The government also approved continued funding for KT-CARES 2.0, the construction of a three cell box culvert, the relocation of a primary school and the replacement or relocation of water pipelines at six locations affected by urban renewal and road construction projects.
The approvals were granted at the 17th State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday at the Upper Chamber of Muhammadu Buhari House Katsina, under the chairmanship of Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Development Management Board KTSDMB Dr Mustapha Shehu said the additional counterpart funding for ACRISAL would sustain ongoing interventions and facilitate access to further financing.
He explained that the funding would support efforts to address climate related challenges, improve agricultural productivity and promote sustainable livelihoods particularly in vulnerable communities affected by environmental pressures in the state’s semi arid landscape.
Dr Shehu also disclosed that the council approved continued funding for KT-CARES 2.0 to strengthen social protection, improve community resilience, support livelihoods and promote economic recovery across Katsina. The programme is expected to sustain interventions aimed at assisting vulnerable households and communities.
On public procurement, the executive secretary said the council adopted recommendations on total quality management and price intelligence to improve project quality, harmonise prices and ensure the efficient utilisation of public funds.
He explained that the recommendations followed a capacity building exercise for engineers and technical officers from ministries, departments and agencies coordinated by the Ahmadu Bello University Consultancy Unit in collaboration with KTSDMB and the Bureau of Public Procurement. The measures are intended to strengthen project delivery and promote value for money.
In the transport and infrastructure sector, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education Yusuf Suleiman Jibia said the council approved the construction of a three cell box culvert at Kurmi along the Malumfashi–Mahuta Road to improve road safety and ease the movement of commuters.
Jibia also announced approval for the relocation of Senator Ibrahim Ida Primary School from its current site near Katsina Central Abattoir to a more suitable learning environment within the Sokoto-Rima Basin Development Estate, close to the community.
He said the relocation would provide a better environment for teaching and learning while allowing the government to upgrade the central abattoir to internationally recognised standards. The decision is expected to accommodate the state’s infrastructure improvement plans while ensuring that pupils have access to a more suitable educational environment.
In another development, the Commissioner for Water Resources Mannir Ayuba Sullubawa disclosed that the council approved a partnership between the Katsina State Exploration and Mining Company and Anka Metals Smith and Limited to identify, assess and develop commercially viable mineral resources across the state.
According to him, the partnership would support the development of a reliable geological and mineral resources database, attract private investment and promote economic diversification through the sustainable development of mineral resources.
The initiative is expected to improve knowledge of the state’s mineral deposits, provide a stronger foundation for investment decisions and create opportunities for private sector participation in the mining industry.
Sullubawa further disclosed that the council approved the replacement or relocation of water pipelines at six locations affected by ongoing urban renewal and road construction projects to restore water supply and address complaints from residents.
The affected locations are Airport Junction to Marike Magaji, CPS to Cooper in Doka, Water Board Roundabout through GRA to Kofar Sauri and Central Mosque Roundabout, Barhimi Extension to the Eastern Bypass along Mani Road, Mobil Filling Station through KTSDA to Babbar Ruga Roundabout and CPS to the Kofar Kaura underpass.
He explained that the pipeline interventions would help minimise disruptions to water distribution as road construction and urban renewal projects progress. He emphasised that while urban renewal remained essential for infrastructure development and improved mobility, maintaining essential services particularly access to water, was equally important.
