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Bird Flu: Enugu sensitises poultry farmers, dozens of chickens killed in Kano

Michael Simire
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Bird Flu: Enugu sensitises poultry farmers, dozens of chickens killed in Kano

Enugu State Government says it has intensified sensitisation of poultry farmers, traders
and the general public on the risks associated with the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), known as Bird Flu.

Bird Flu
Health workers culling chickens to address Bird Flu outbreak. Photo credit: REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

The government said the action was to educate stakeholders dealing directly on birds on the necessary prevention strategies of bird flu.

Mr. Patrick Nwabueze Ubru, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization made the disclosure in a statement on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in Enugu.

According Ubru, the Enugu State Government wishes to alert the general public and relevant stakeholders about an outbreak bird flu which has been reported in Kano State.

He said the outbreak had affected various bird species, including layers, ducks, guinea fowl, and turkeys.

“Given the disease’s epidemiology and the current environmental conditions in Nigeria, there is a significant risk of the disease spreading to neighboring states and beyond, if adequate preventive measures are not taken.

“To mitigate this risk and safeguard the poultry industry as well as public health in Enugu State, the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation has directed its Veterinary personnel to increase the implementation of the preventive measures,” he said.

The Commissioner added that awareness, surveillance and monitoring teams had been deployed to closely monitor poultry farms and markets for any signs of HPAI.

He urged all residents to promptly report any unusual bird deaths or symptoms indicative of HPAI to the ministry or any other veterinary personnel available.

“It is the responsibility of the stakeholders to maintain strict biosecurity measures and report any suspicion.

“The Enugu State Government is committed to ensuring the safety of its residents and the sustainability of the poultry sector,” he said.

He, however, called for the cooperation from all stakeholders to essentially prevent the spread of HPAI and protect both human and animal health.

“For further inquiries or to report any suspicious cases, please contact the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation. We appreciate your vigilance and cooperation in this matter,” Ubru said.

In a related development, the Gwale Veterinary Clinic on Wednesday confirmed the outbreak of birds flu in Kano, which killed 32 birds in the area.

The officee in-charge of the clinic, Dr Abdullahi Gaya, made the confirmation in an interview with newsmen in Kano.

Gaya said the Index Case of the disease was first observed on December 7, when a young man brought dead guinea fowl to the clinic.

He said after a presumptive diagnosis of the dead bird, its sample was taken to the National Reference Laboratory in Jos where the disease was confirmed.

Gaya said the guinea fowl died alongside several other birds including chickens and ducks which cohabited at his backyard.

The veterinary doctor advised poultry keepers to always isolate birds newly bought from the market for at least two weeks before mixing them with others in their stocks.

He also advised them to always take their birds to the nearest veterinary clinic when they noticed any sickness among them.

Gaya also advised people to avoid touching dead animals so as to avoid getting infected by some diseases they might carry.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Yusuf, also confirmed the outbreak of the disease.

Yusuf told journalists that the outbreak started when a young man introduced a duck to his stock, leading to the death of 35 out of 50 birds.

He said the outbreak had prompted the state Ministry of Agriculture to take measures to contain its spread.

To prevent further spread, he said, the state Ministry of Agriculture had sealed the affected area, depopulated the remaining chickens and decontaminated the compound.

The commissioner said the Ministry had also decontaminated the premises where live birds are sold at the Janguza market and educated sellers on the effects of bird flu.

“While the situation is under control, residents, especially poultry rearers have been urged to immediately report any suspected case to the authorities,” he said.

By Alex Enebeli and Aminu Garko

Pipeline blasts released record-shattering amount of methane – UNEP study

Michael Simire
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0
Pipeline blasts released record-shattering amount of methane – UNEP study

The rupture of Europe’s Nord Stream gas pipelines more than two years ago resulted in the planet’s largest human-caused release of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, finds a new study coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Nord Stream gas pipeline
Nord Stream gas pipeline

Up to 485,000 tonnes of methane seeped from the pipeline network following a series of explosions under the Baltic Sea in September of 2022. That was more than twice as much as previously thought, the study revealed.

The Nord Stream leak was already viewed as one of the largest human-caused methane releases in history. But the new UNEP analysis, published in the journal Nature, reveals for the first time its true scope.

The leak was nearly five times larger than the world’s previous record holder, a release from the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility in the United States. Over the short-term, the Nord Stream leak contributed as much to global warming as would have 8 million cars driven for a year, experts say.

“This release was extraordinary in its magnitude but it’s just the tip of the iceberg,” said Manfredi Caltagirone, the head of the UNEP-led International Methane Emissions Observatory, which provides data on methane emissions. “Despite their massive size, the Nord Stream explosions represented just two days’ worth of the global oil and gas industry’s methane emissions. There is an enormous opportunity to address this pollution, which is supercharging the climate crisis.”

Methane, often a byproduct of oil and gas production, causes about one-third of global warming. While it only exists in the atmosphere for about a decade, it is over 80 times more effective at trapping heat than the world’s most common greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide.

Previous studies pegged the Nord Stream leak at anywhere from 75,000 to 230,000 tonnes. The UNEP analysis, coordinated by the International Methane Emissions Observatory, drew on new information to offer a more comprehensive look at the disaster. Researchers used atmospheric data, satellite-based images and marine observations, aerial measurements and engineering estimates to gauge how much methane dissolved into the Baltic Sea and then escaped into the atmosphere.

The analysis included the only on-site airborne measurements collected from the explosions, which were gathered by the German Aerospace Centre and Technische Universität Braunschweig, in Germany.

Nearly 70 scientists from 30 research organizations participated in the study. They concluded the “plausible range” of the Nord Stream leak was anywhere from 445,000 to 485,000 tonnes.

“The observatory’s work showcases that using different observation and estimation tools is essential to enabling the assessment of the magnitude of emissions, a first step towards prioritizing actions to reduce methane emissions,” said Andrea Hinwood, UNEP’s Chief Scientist.

The Nord Stream study is part of a larger UNEP effort to help the world understand and rein in methane emissions. Another part of that push is the Methane Alert and Response System, which uses satellite-based data to chart major methane releases from oil and gas installations. The system then notifies governments and companies about leaks, allowing them to respond.

In addition to this alert system, UNEP’s Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 helps oil and gas companies measure and report their emissions. This is considered essential to managing the sector’s emissions in a systemic way and directing resources where they can have the greatest climate impact.

Methane emissions are rising faster than at any time since the 1980s. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has called on countries to cut releases by at least 30 per cent by 2030 to keep alive the Paris agreement goal of limiting the Earth’s temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

The silver lining: because methane is relatively short lived, slashing emissions can have a rapid impact on global warming, said Caltagirone.

“The Nord Stream explosions remind us of the immediate climate opportunity represented by reducing methane emissions across the oil and gas industry.”

Global collaboration key to sustainable devt. – Tinubu

Michael Simire
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0
Global collaboration key to sustainable devt. – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, assured a global audience in the United Arab Emirates that Nigeria is ready to work with other nations to build a resilient, equitable and sustainable world for all.

President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

Tinubu said this while speaking on the topic, “From Climate Imperatives into Economic Prosperity: Bridging Africa with the Global Energy Future,” on the second day of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

The President declared that no single nation could walk the road to sustainability alone, stressing that global interconnectedness demanded collective action, knowledge sharing and mutual support, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement.

“The fight against climate change is not merely an environmental necessity but a global economic opportunity to reshape the trajectory of our continent and the global energy landscape.

“As leaders, stakeholders and citizens of our planet, we stand at a critical juncture in human history. To succeed, we must innovate, collaborate and act decisively as one global community,” Tinubu said.

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, Tinubu assured the audience that the Nigerian government had developed actionable programmes in line with global expectations.

“We have embraced a vision of sustainability that aligns with global aspirations while addressing local realities.

“Our efforts are anchored on three pillars: Energy Transition, Climate Resilience, and Sustainable Development.

“My administration recognises the importance of reducing carbon emissions and a just transition to clean and renewable energy, promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth,” he said.

Tinubu added that Nigeria is developing infrastructure for the widespread use of Compressed Natural Gas and electric vehicles and harnessing the potential in solid minerals to support the green energy transition.

According to him, Nigeria is also implementing climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance food security and lessen its destructive environmental impact.

These, he said, included the introduction of the National Clean Cooking Policy to promote clean energy, environmental and health benefits and socio-economic development in the African region.

Tinubu said the government was working with local communities to implement solutions to mitigate the adverse consequences of the country’s environmental challenges.

He said these challenges – deforestation, desertification, coastal erosion, flooding, and pollution – threatened the livelihoods of millions.

He called on partner countries to collaborate in mobilising resources to tackle these challenges and embrace innovation and technology.

“To promote a Green Economy in Africa, we must focus on integrating sustainable practices in all sectors of our economy.

“These investments are capital intensive and require international support from partner countries, including multinational organisations, development partners and individuals,” he said.

He said Nigeria became the first country in Africa to initiate funding of green projects through Sovereign Green Bond proceeds, the third issuance of which is in progress.

“We urge investors to partner with us in this regard. Our administration remains committed to providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in Nigeria.

“By partnering with global leaders and harnessing the power of technology, we are finding new and innovative ways to address our environmental challenges.

“We have arable agricultural lands for advanced technological farming, including a bright future for Artificial Intelligence,” Tinubu said.

By Salif Atojoko

Planning Permit: Lagos demands mandatory CCTV camera in buildings over six floors

Michael Simire
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Planning Permit: Lagos demands mandatory CCTV camera in buildings over six floors

The Lagos State Government has said that it will henceforth demand the mandatory provision of CCTV cameras in buildings of six floors and above as a prerequisite for the issuance of Planning Permits.

Dr. Oluyinka Olumide
Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide

This was made known in Alausa on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide.

According to the Commissioner, “property owners will, as a requirement for Planning Permit, now be mandated to install CCTV cameras in all existing buildings of six floors and above along major roads in the state as well as in all proposed or under construction buildings of six floors and above anywhere in the state”.

He stated further that the initiative would also cover all commercial buildings in Lagos State, which would equally be mandated to provide CCTV cameras as a requirement for their approvals.

Olumide said that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, approved the initiative to bring about enhanced security and balance public safety with physical planning considerations within the state. 

He disclosed that, to ensure consistency and interoperability, the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) would establish standardised specifications for CCTV camera systems and direct regular maintenance and inspection schedules to ensure camera functionality.

The agency will also mandate property owners to always make the footage available to the state security agents on request.

He enjoined all stakeholders to support the initiative, which he said is in tandem with the smart city ideals and the T.H.E.M.E.S.+ Agenda of the Lagos State Government as it is geared towards achieving a livable, organised and sustainable Lagos.

A construction professional, Mr. Ayotunde Bally, has expressed support for the Lagos State Government’s directive requiring installation of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in buildings with six or more floors.

Bally, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Dembally Ltd., a real estate development company, gave the support in an interview on Wednesday in Lagos.

He described the decision as a positive step, particularly given the security challenges in the country.

According to him, the initiative is very crucial for enhancing safety within residential and commercial buildings.

Bally said: “The new mandatory requirement for property owners to install CCTV cameras in all buildings of six floors and above is a welcome development.

“This is because of the insecurity that is possibly going on the rise as a result of the economic situation in the country.”

Bally said that the requirement should be extended to buildings with fewer than six floors, specifically those housing four or more occupants.

According to him, the CCTV camera installation should be a standard security measure for any building with multiple occupants, regardless of its height, to ensure safety and well-being of the occupants.

“When you have multiple occupants in a building, that bulding essentially should be regarded as a mini-estate; It is important that they have CCTV cameras to protect the occupants of that property.

“Any building that has more than four different occupants in a compound needs to have CCTV cameras installed,” he said.

The President, National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria, Mr Adesegun Banjoko, said that the directive was not just a security measure, but also the beginning of a broader push for improved security within the state.

He said that the directive could pave the way for implementation of other advanced security technologies and strategies.

Banjoko expressed the hope that the initiative would encourage further investments in security infrastructure and lead to a significant improvement in public safety.

Nigerian Youth Climate Summit to ‘transform nation’s climate future’

Michael Simire
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Nigerian Youth Climate Summit to ‘transform nation’s climate future’

As part of Our Earth Care Initiative, the Safe Earth Care Foundation and Osigwe Anyiam- Osigwe Foundation will host the Nigerian Youth Climate Summit (NYCS), scheduled to take place in Abuja from June 5–6, 2025. The event aims to gather youths from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ignite Nigeria’s climate-smart socioeconomic development through the skills, innovation and talents of its youths.

Youth agripreneurs
Youth agripreneurs during a visit to Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB),

NYCS 2025, themed “Empowering Youths, Transforming Nigeria’s Climate Future”, reflects the urgent need to engage Nigerian youths in climate action, as they are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and also hold the key to driving sustainable development.

“We are at such a pivotal stage that could make or break the futures of millions of people in Nigeria. The climate crisis compounds other human-made crises such as insecurity, health system failures, and chronic unemployment and underemployment, which disproportionately affect youths of the country. But rather than dwell on crises, it is important to enable and actualise innovation by youths, and usher in a future that provides opportunities to flourish. The Nigerian Youth Climate Summit (NYCS) serves as a platform to facilitate positive change, and Our Earth Care Initiative is keen to work with a spectrum of actors to achieve shared goals,” said Adaudo Anyiam-Osigwe, Executive Director of Our Earth Care Initiative.

The Summit will raise climate awareness, amplify youth voices, and provide platforms to build a climate-resilient future for Nigeria’s young population, which currently makes up 70% of its overall population – the largest in the world.

The Safe Earth Care Foundation and the Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe Foundation invite all stakeholders, including youth-focused organisations, government agencies, universities and research institutes, private sector entities, and individuals, to support the initiative and advance climate action and sustainable development in the country.

Our Earth Care Initiative seeks to enable the knowledge and tools to address environmental degradation and the climate crisis, and contribute towards sustainable development and a resilient and thriving environment.

“Together, we can empower Nigerian youths to transform the country’s climate future and build a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria for all,” remarked the promoters.

Taraba validates climate change policy, action plan document

Michael Simire
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Taraba validates climate change policy, action plan document

The Government of Taraba State took a somewhat giant step towards effective climate action and sustainable development as it held a stakeholders validation workshop for its climate policy and action plan on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in Jalingo, the capital city.

Taraba
Delegates at the validation workshop in Jalingo, Taraba State

The Climate Change Policy and Action Plan which covered all the key sectors using both quantitative and qualitative assessment methods was developed in collaboration with the Society for Plant and Prosperity (SPP) with funding support from the African Climate Foundation (ACF) and the European Climate Foundation (ECF).

The validation workshop marked a significant progress by the state towards improving its climate governance structure and attracting climate finance to implement viable clean projects.

It brought together diverse stakeholders, including state and local government officials, community leaders, civil servants, businesses, civil society organisations, academics, private sector representatives and international partners, who praised the report while also offering valuable feedback to ensure an actionable implementation roadmap.

In his welcome address, the State Director for Climate Change, Ahmed Lazarus, commended the technical team for their diligent work in drafting the policy document. He also thanked the State Governor, Agbu Kefas, and the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Chang, Aishat Barde, for their support, and provision of an enabling environment for climate action.

Delivering her opening remarks, Barde thanked participants for their contributions, stating that stakeholders’ input cannot be overemphasised. She also appreciated the ACF and SPP for selecting Taraba State as a beneficiary of the fund, and for their effort in ensuring that the policy development process captures the voices and needs of the people of Taraba.

Citing the recent wildfires in California, she highlighted the impacts of climate change and warned against the dangers of inaction. Barde also reiterated the state government’s commitment to addressing climate change challenges.

“This document is not just the document of the state Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, but rather a document of the government of Taraba State as it clearly indicated the different sectors where actions need to be implemented towards reducing greenhouse gas emission in the state and achieving sustainable growth. This is both a call for awareness and climate action in Taraba State,” she said.

In his keynote address, the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, who was represented by the Chairman of the Committee on Environment and Climate Change, Taraba State House of Assembly, Dr. Tafarki Agbadu Eneme, underscored the urgent need for climate action in the state giving its vulnerability, describing the validation of the Policy and Action Plan documents as timely. He said the documents have laid the groundwork for coordinated climate action in the state and reaffirmed the commitment of the Taraba State Government towards mitigating the impact of climate change.  

“We must recognise that climate change is not just an environmental issue, it is a multifaceted challenge that affects our economy, health and the future generation. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to addressing these challenges through a robust and actionable climate change policy that aligns with global standards set forth by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Paris Agreement and other international treaty,” he declared.

Professor Emmanuel Oladipo, leader and representative of the technical team, commended Professor Chukwumerije Okereke and Dr Eugene Itua for assembling the team that developed the policy and action plan, and encouraged Taraba State Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to work together to make the success of the policy and action plan document a reality.

He highlighted that the United States of America (USA) is already working hard to prevent the reoccurrence of the California fire disaster, a situation he referenced to show that climate change does not discriminate hence adding that Taraba State must take action.

Professor Okereke, President of SPP, said he was delighted that Taraba State has taken this important step in producing a document that can enable it to coordinate its climate action in ways that addresses local needs and contribute to national and international climate objectives. He urged the Taraba State Government not to see the climate policy as an end itself but a means towards mobilising climate finance and pursing more ambitious climate goals. 

After the technical breakout session, participants took the stage to share their recommendations for enhancing the implementation of the policy. These suggestions included aligning the climate change policy with the state’s electricity law, strengthening the state’s capacity to generate renewable energy, and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.

By Elijah Iklaga, Edwin Orugbo and Ugochukwu Uzuegbu

Solar in Africa grows significantly for third year in a row

Michael Simire
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0
Solar in Africa grows significantly for third year in a row

Solar installations have reached new heights across the globe in 2024 with a whopping 503 GWp of estimated capacity. This represents a 44% increase compared to 2023. In Africa, the growth is more modest but new installations maintain a solid level at 2.5 GWp after 2022 and 2023 being record years for solar in Africa.

Solar panels
Solar panels

Thanks to new solar installations, Africa is now home to 19.2 GWp (excluding residential installations). This is the 3rd year in a row that more than 2 GWp are being installed, which is testament to the good health of the industry. But solar in Africa did however not grow as much as the global solar market and still represents less than 1% of all solar currently installed across the globe.

Solar continues to spread across Africa

More and more African nations are adopting solar in their energy mix. Some already install massively, while other are making their first steps with solar. In 2024, 2 African nations installed more than 100 MW (one more than 2023), 16 installed more than 10 MW (stable) and 29 installed at least 1 MW (2 more than 2023). The best performers in terms of installed capacity include South Africa with an estimated 1,235 MWp, Egypt with 707 MWp, Zambia with 74.8 MWp, Nigeria with 63.5 MWp and Angola with 53.8 MWp. All these figures exclude residential installations as these are currently not tracked by AFSIA. It is estimated that these residential installations could represent 10% to 20% additional capacity.

But while solar conquers more African countries, the business nevertheless remains highly concentrated. In 2024, South Africa and Egypt represented almost 80% of all the new solar installed, respectively representing 50% and 29%. But with multiple projects already announced and at various stages of development in several countries which are new to solar, we may witness a more distributed spread of solar in Africa in the years to come.

If we look at the prevalence of solar in the overall national power generation, the Central African Republic still leads the ranking of countries where solar contributes the most to the overall electricity mix, with more than 40% of all grid electricity consumed in the country originating from solar. And another 6 African countries already have solar contribute more than 10% of their power consumption, which is a remarkable performance at global level. These countries are Mauritania (20.7%), Namibia (13.4%), Somalia (11.6%), Malawi (11.4%) The Gambia (10.6%) and Cape Verde (10.5%).

In terms of solar per capita, the 2024 top 5 remains almost unchanged. Wealthy islands Seychelles, Mauritius and Cape Verde are joined by African solar champions South Africa and Namibia. In the overall ranking, The Gambia lands at #16 and is the country that progresses the most (+25 spots) thanks to the commissioning of its 23 MWp Jambur Solar Plant Solar.

The boom of storage

Storage is becoming a key element of the African solar eco-system. From 2017 to 2022, storage in Africa represented on average only around 50 MWh per annum. In 2023 this capacity grew to 150 MWh+ and in 2024 it grew to more than 1,600 MWh.

This exponential growth is to thank to sharply decreasing prices for lithium-ion storage solutions. Industry-leading research firm Bloomberg NEF estimates that the cost of such storage has decreased by 20% in 2024, after decreasing 13% in 2023. This is the strongest price decrease in the last 7 years.

The reason behind this significant decrease is a combination of production overcapacity and heightened competition between manufacturers. Several gigawatt factories were put online across the globe in recent years to address the expected boom of electric mobility. These investments also benefit the market of stationary storage thanks to the economies of scale they have created. And because electric vehicles sales have not delivered as promised, production overcapacity has added an element of intense price competition between manufacturers.

Therefore, the market experiences a real boom of storage within African solar projects, and within the power generation landscape at large. A few large-scale projects have been recently announced or have even started construction. Such projects include for example the 2nd phase of Soma Project in The Gambia with 100 MW / 130 MWh, the Lolda Solar Farm in Senegal comprising of 60 MWp of PV and 72 MWh of storage, and the impressive 900 MW PV / 720 MWh storage in Egypt developed by Masdar and Infinity Power.

Africa Solar Outlook report, a wealth of information country-by-country

Next to highlighting the most notable projects and trends, the Africa Solar Outlook 2025 report also provides a unique overview of the status of solar in each African country. The “Country Vignettes” describe the national eco-system of solar across its key parameters including country objectives for renewables energy, solar policies, current electricity tariffs, national electrification rate, key electricity institutions and current installed capacity in the country. These key parameters make it extremely easy to get familiar with the reality of solar in each country and compare national performance and opportunities.

By John van Zuylen, Africa Solar Industry Association

World’s second largest desalination plant to supply potable water to Amman, Aqaba

Michael Simire
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0
World’s second largest desalination plant to supply potable water to Amman, Aqaba

The Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the consortium led by Meridiam-SUEZ have signed a 30-year concession contract for the desalination and conveyance of drinking water to 3 million people in the cities of Amman, the capital of Jordan, and Aqaba.

Amman
Amman, the capital of Jordan

The 851,000 m3/day desalination plant will be the second largest in the world. It will produce up to 40% of the country’s drinking water consumption. This project, which represents an investment of around €4 billion, will contribute to the country’s water security and the quality of life of the Jordanian people.

Jordan is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, with less than 100 m3 of fresh water available per inhabitant per year. Climate change and rapid demographic growth are exacerbating the pressure on water resources.

The Jordanian Government has initiated a large-scale project to desalinate water from the Red Sea, in the Gulf of Aqaba, and convey it to Aqaba and Amman, the capital city. The project will provide a continuous supply of water to more than three million people.

For this project, Meridiam, a mission-driven company (B Corp) specialising in the development, financing and long-term management of sustainable public infrastructure, and SUEZ (1), a world leader in circular water solutions, formed a special purpose company (SPC). It will be responsible for the financing, construction and operation of the water desalination and conveyance infrastructure under the terms of a 30-year concession contract.

The Gulf of Aqaba reverse osmosis plant will be the second largest in the world, built in one phase, with a design capacity of 851,000 m3 of drinking water per day.

For the construction of the desalination plant and of the 445 km of pipelines to convey the drinking water to Aqaba and Amman, Meridiam and SUEZ will combine their expertise with a group of international and regional partners.

The project is supported by the US International Development Finance Corporation and the US Agency for International Development in Amman, along with the European Union and several international financial bodies. As such, it is subject to a strict set of environmental and social requirements. A 724 GWh/year solar power plant will notably be developed as part of this contract.

Pierre Pauliac, Group Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer Water of SUEZ, commented: “SUEZ teams are very proud to be awarded this major contract, with Meridiam as well as regional and international partners, to finance, build and operate the second largest desalination plant in the world. This contract draws on SUEZ’s 50 years of experience in seawater desalination, with more than 260 plants built around the world [2]. It is part of a long-standing relationship with the Jordanian authorities in the field of water management.”

In line with standard practice, the construction will commence upon the satisfaction of a number of conditions, one of which is the completion of financial closing.

Govt will deploy drones to maximise agricultural output – Kyari

Michael Simire
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0
Govt will deploy drones to maximise agricultural output – Kyari

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, said the Federal Government would deploy technology for all-year round farming.

Drone
A drone. Photo credit: Jared Brashier on Unsplash

The minister said this while briefing State House correspondents.

“The faster we clear land, harvest, chemical deployment, whether it’s pesticide, whether it’s herbicide, the better.

“We intend to use drone technology in doing that because what one drone can do, a hundred people cannot do in a day.

“So, we are going to use drones to fast-track agricultural activities, harvest quickly, and then make the land available for the next cycle of cultivation,” said Kyari.

He said his ministry would partner the private sector to support vibrant youths to take advantage of its mechanisation programme.

“It is very important to also educate our farmers that agriculture is no longer for the stomach only. It should also be seen as a business, something that will earn a livelihood.

“So, what we have seen that input support may not necessarily be what will incentivise our smallholder farmers to produce.

“I think we need to change the mindset and see how we can engage them in such a way that funding from the private sector should support agricultural production,” Kyari said.

By Salif Atojoko

Katsina earmarks N50b for water projects

Michael Simire
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0
Katsina earmarks N50b for water projects

The Katsina State Government says it has earmarked about N50 billion to execute various water related projects across the state in the year 2025.

Dikko Radda
Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State

Managing Director of the State Water Board, Mr. Tukur Tingilin, disclosed this in Katsina on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, while inaugurating grievance redress committees.

He also said that, in 2025, the government would initiate various projects that would benefit the people, particularly in the provision of potable water across the state.

According to Tingilin, the government has committed N8.4 billion in 2024 as part of a N20 billion World Bank supported project to overhaul, upgrade, and rehabilitate water facilities in 20 communities across five local government areas (LGAs) in the state.

Tingilin explained that the aim of the project under World Bank NG-SURWASH was to improve water supply and infrastructure in the state.

According to him, the project would also involve the replacement of obsolete pipes, installation of new water systems, and general facility upgrades.

Tingili explained that extensive consultations with stakeholders in affected communities were conducted to ensure the success of the initiative.

He said the grievance redress committees were inaugurated for Katsina/Batagarawa, Daura, Funtua Dutsinma and Malumfashi LGAs to ensure intervention whenever the need arises between the communities and contractors regarding the projects being executed.

“For instance, while executing the projects, and it passes through someone’s shop, the committee will intervene to ensure that the affected residents are compensated.

“Compensated in the sense that, when a water pipe is passing through the shop, the committee will ensure that anything broken, must be fixed back.

“The committee is also responsible to monitor the project’s implementation, to ensure it meets the required quality and specifications,” he said.

Tingilin explained that the upgrade of some water facilities across the communities was to meet up with the growing population in the areas.

“When those facilities were provided, the residents were not more than 200, but now they have increased to thousands.

“Those communities will also be provided with more water tanks, boreholes, solar facilities, and also ensure their maintenance.

“Government is targeting to replace with the new, the old installed pipes across the Katsina metropolis, because the areas are no longer supplied with the water.

“This will enable the residents to have a clean and potable water supply in their houses. And we are also targeting to connect many extension areas with water lines.”

Tingilin said the Gov. Dikko Radda administration remains committed to ensuring that no community is left without water supply.

In his remarks, the District Head of Malumfashi, Justice Sadiq Abdullahi-Mahuta, lauded the initiative and assured the traditional institution support towards its successful execution.

By Abbas Bamalli

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