Ahead of the planned 200-kilometer drainage desilting exercise across the Federal Capital Territory, the FCT Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, has officially commenced an extensive community sensitization campaign across designated locations in the territory.

The intervention aims to clear blocked waterways across identified communities in the six Area Councils that are worst affected by the obstructions, thereby tackling perennial flooding and other pressing environmental concerns.

The team's first point of call was Jiwa, where they were received by the paramount ruler, His Royal Highness, Dr. Idris Musa, alongside key community stakeholders who converged at the palace. The joint team, comprising FCT ACReSAL members and the contractors, was led by the Monitoring and Evaluation Office Mrs Margaret Oladoja, who represented the FCT ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Mrs. Caroline Opara.

Briefing the traditional ruler, Oladoja highlighted the project's proactive stance against the devastating impacts of flood disasters resulting from blocked waterways. She emphasized that the desilting exercise will restore unrestricted water flow, safeguard lives and properties and significantly elevate the environmental health standards of the host communities.

She assured the gathering that FCT ACReSAL remains committed to addressing the root causes of environmental degradation, ensuring the project's benefits are directly felt by the people.

Outlining the technical dimensions of the operation, the Environmental and Safety Officer, Mr. Richard Ari, stated that the scope of work involves the comprehensive removal of accumulated silt and solid waste from all identified drainage channels. He assured the community that operations would adhere strictly to environmental safety protocols, noting that the contractor is mandated to provide comprehensive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all workers on site.

He emphasized that the exercise will help to recover lost water capacity and improve the quality of the environment. Ultimately, he noted, clearing the heavily blocked channels will significantly mitigate public health risks, such as waterborne diseases and pest breeding grounds, which are associated with stagnant, obstructed waterways.

On his part, the Social Livelihood Officer SLO, Engineer Ismail Kabiru, explained that the contractors are encouraged to directly recruit their labour force from within the beneficiary communities to foster economic empowerment and cultivate local ownership.

In his response, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Idris Musa (MFR) commended FCT ACReSAL for the timely intervention and pledged the total support and cooperation of his chiefdom toward the successful execution of the project. To mark his official endorsement and blessings, the royal father formally presented the designated contractors to the community members.

Residents across the visited communities expressed deep relief during the engagements, affirming that the desilting project marks a definitive end to years of economic hardship and environmental vulnerability caused by seasonal flood disasters.

Following the palace engagement, the Project Engineer, Assumpta Nwabuba, formally introduced the contractors to the community and thereafter led the team to the affected sites earmarked for desilting.

The sensitisation exercise, which is ongoing has so far seen the team engaged communities at Bwari, Deidei and Dakwa.