#ACReSAL #Impact
For 55-year-old Paul Chwada and countless other residents living behind Dunamis Church near Benue State University’s second gate, the annual flooding that plagued their neighborhood has finally become a thing of the past, thanks to the intervention of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project. Chwada, a father of three, described the area as being severely hampered by the lack of a proper drainage system.
The poor drainage connectivity, impacting a community of students, workers, and local residents, made navigating the area a nightmare, especially during the rainy season. “Houses were often flooded, with rainwater entering rooms and disrupting everything,” Chwada explained. “I usually had to trek long distances just to get to other parts of town, and my children were often late for school because of the flooding.” However, the ACReSAL project stepped in to address the issue, embarking on a desilting activity in the area.
The project excavated drainages along existing streets and graded streets linking the area to ensure effective channeling of rainwater. “The difference is incredible,” Chwada said. “Now, we have better channels for conveying rainwater, which has drastically improved navigation within the area. We no longer have to worry about trekking long distances through stagnant water. The stress level has reduced significantly with the onset of the rainy season, and my children can now get to school on time.”
The ACReSAL project’s intervention has brought tangible relief and a sense of security to the residents of the area, proving that targeted environmental initiatives can have a profound impact on improving the lives of everyday citizens. The project’s impact is summarized by residents as: better water channels, ease of navigation, lower stress during the rainy season, and improved timeliness in school and work.