The Hadejia Local Government Council in Jigawa has begun constructing a three-kilometer tunnel to channel excess water from a pond into the Hadejia River.
This was disclosed by the council’s Information Officer, Muhammad Talaki, in a statement released to the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Dutse.
According to Talaki, the council chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Abba-Ari, announced the commencement of the N60 million project during its official launch in Hadejia.
He quoted the chairman as saying that “the gesture is part of the council’s efforts to provide lasting solution to recurring flood affecting communities around pond, popularly known as Jaribola.”
Abba-Ari said the annual flooding had been devastating farmlands, markets, displaced families and disrupted livelihoods of residents of the area.
He reiterated the council’s commitment toward finding sustainable solution to the perennial challenges to protect lives and property of the citizens.
He explained that “the tunnel is expected to significantly reduce the impact of the seasonal flooding and enhance water management in the area.”
In his remark, the Head of Works Department of the council, Alhaji Muhammad Ubale, expressed confidence that the company handling the project would execute the job in accordance with contractual agreement reached with the council, along with all required facilities.
NAN reports that a tunnel is an underground or undersea passageway. It is dug through surrounding soil, earth or rock, or laid under water, usually completely enclosed except for the two portals common at each end, though there may be access and ventilation openings at various points along the length.
A tunnel may be for foot, vehicular road traffic or for a canal.
Flooding has remained a major challenge in Jigawa, with heavy rains and overflowing rivers displacing thousands of residents in recent years.