Mercy Corps in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration IOM and the Centre for Democracy and Development CDD has handed over newly constructed and rehabilitated public facilities in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State under the European Union funded Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience CPCRR project.
The project involved the construction of a solar powered borehole and the rehabilitation and upgrade of a veterinary clinic from a two room structure into a fully functional six office facility to improve access to clean water and strengthen livestock healthcare services in the area. The intervention is aimed at enhancing livelihoods, promoting peacebuilding and improving resilience among communities affected by insecurity.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Commissioner for Livestock and Animal Husbandry Ahmed Muhammad Bakori, commended Mercy Corps and its partners for their commitment to supporting peace and development in the state. He said the project would significantly improve livestock services and support pastoralists and farmers who depend on animal health services for their livelihoods.
The commissioner also praised the Katsina State Government for its sustained efforts in restoring peace and stability across affected communities, noting that improved security has enabled development partners to implement meaningful interventions. He disclosed that he recently accompanied Governor Dikko Umar Radda to South Africa to explore strategies for boosting livestock production and strengthening the livestock value chain in line with the government’s economic development agenda.
In his remarks, Mercy Corps representative Mr. Philip Ikita, expressed satisfaction with the successful implementation of the project in Danmusa. He noted that although Mercy Corps began its operations in Katsina State in 2023, security challenges had initially prevented the organisation from accessing some areas, including Danmusa.
He explained that improved peace and security made it possible for Mercy Corps to implement the second phase of the project in the area, which included the construction of the solar powered borehole and rehabilitation of the veterinary clinic facility. He emphasised that the intervention would improve access to essential services, strengthen livelihoods and contribute to sustaining peace in the community.
Also speaking, the representative of the District Head of Danmusa Alhaji Ahmad Ahmadu Abubakar, expressed appreciation to Mercy Corps, its partners and the Katsina State Government for the intervention. He described the projects as timely and beneficial, noting that they would improve access to clean water and enhance veterinary healthcare services for livestock owners.
He assured that the community would take responsibility for protecting and maintaining the facilities to ensure their sustainability and continued benefit to residents.
The CPCRR project is part of ongoing efforts by development partners and the Katsina State Government to address the root causes of conflict, strengthen community resilience and promote sustainable peace and development in vulnerable communities across Katsina State.
