The World Bank, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Government, has initiated a reconstruction project for Lugu Dam in Wurno local government area, investing over $24 million.
The State Commissioner of Environment, Nura Shehu Tangaza, mentioned that the dam, damaged by floods in 2010, is undergoing reconstruction and will soon be operational.
To enhance the dam area, the state government is investing approximately $2 million in planting a plantation, proposing to install 23 boreholes within the dam, and implementing a fencing system for security.
The plantation project, awarded in two stages in September to October 2023 and December 2023, costs $1.5 million each.
Commissioner Tangaza highlighted that the entire dam construction project amounts to over $24 million.
This initiative is a joint effort between the World Bank and the Sokoto State Government, with the World Bank providing funding, and the state contributing counterpart funding based on loans received in 2018 and 2019.
Having obtained bank approval, the Sokoto State Government has commenced the dam’s construction, advertising the project globally through International Community Bidding documents.
Numerous national and international companies have already expressed interest in the project.
A recent research study identified over 3,000 farmlands surrounding the dam, with households depending on the dam for their livelihoods.
The government emphasized community involvement, holding meetings and providing training to ensure local ownership and security of the project.
Tangaza reported successful progress, including the plantation of over 400,000 hectares around the dam and an additional 40 kilometers of plantation near the dam site.
Importantly, the workforce engaged in the project consists of local individuals from Wurno local government area, fostering a sense of community ownership.
