The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has reaffirmed the commitment of his ministry to the successful implementation of Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape ACReSAL project in the country.
Prof. Utsev who is also Co-Chairman, Steering Committee of ACReSAL stated this on Thursday at the ongoing Mid-Term Review Steering Technical Committee meeting of ACReSAL in Kaduna.
The Minister explained that through River Basin Development Authorities and the Hydrological Services, his ministry will continue to play a key role in contributing to watershed management, strengthening flood forecasting and early warning systems as well as promoting sustainability water infrastructure that will meet the needs of present and future generations.
Prof. Utsev, in a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Terhemen Oraduen, said that the Mid-Term Review Meeting was coming at a critical time in the life of the project as it provided stakeholders the opportunity to take stock of progress made so far, assess effectiveness of intervention and identify gaps as well as operational challenges that may be limiting impact .
He pointed out that, the meeting will also strengthen collaboration across sectors and institutions which are essential to achieving the desired outcomes of the project.
The Minister identified key priorities areas for the success of the project to include , deepening integrated water and landscape management , ensuring reliable Hydrological and climate data for effective planning, risk management and early warning systems as well as ensuring sustainability and scalability of the interventions.
On his part, Minister of Environment, Malam Balarebe Abbas , who is also Chairman, Steering Committee of ACReSAL, acknowledged the impact of the project to communities across the country and called on States to enact laws that will ensure its sustainability after the closure of the project.
There were presentations by the representative of the Governor of Kaduna State Senator Uba Sani, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdulahi, and the World Bank Technical Team Leader ACReSAL ,Doctor Joy Agene.