The Gombe State House of Assembly Committee on Water, Environment and Forest Resources on Tuesday embarked on oversight across gully erosion control sites in the state metropolis.
Musa Zambukk, representing
Yalmatu West in Gombe House of Assembly, who doubles as Chairman of the committee led his members on the duty.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the construction sites visited by the committee include (FCE) London maidoruwa, Koranzaki, Jauro Kuna, Wuro kessa, Tulkulmabeto, and Wuro Gallo.
The committee also proceeded to BAP 4, where a 10km drainage is been constructed.
Lauding the quality of work on ground the committee’s chairman, hailed the contractor, Project Coordinator of Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes, and the commissioner.
He said, “We have gone round and we have seen what we have seen (the construction). We really appreciate the work particularly the contractors they have put in their best I mean Triacta Nigeria Limited. We appreciate what we have seen.
“We observed that the communities have been smiling laughing and enjoying themselves because they have been sleeping well. I appreciate two persons in this project honourable commissioner Water, Environment and Forest Resources and the Project Coordinator of ACReSAL.”
Zambukk while making recommendations urged for pace in filling newly constructed drainages, “the filling should be fast. The communities have been complaining that their plots have been taken by government. I was told by honourable commissioner that compensation has been paid and still they want to come and reclaim their lands. I’m appealing to the communities to be patient and see the completion of the work before complaining. I believe by January or so trees and grasses will be planted that was what I was told.”
Also speaking, Commissioner for Water, Environment and Forest Resources Mohammed Fawu, while explaining the reason for the tour said “We want them to understand the situation of things as it relates to gully erosion control in the state. They came to see where construction is been carried out, they have seen for themselves from their response they are impressed with what they have seen in terms of commitment of his Excellency, ACReSAL and the contractor. I’m highly impressed with what I saw.”
He said, “We are going to plant trees and grasses to prevent washing of top soil from drainage points. Once it’s backfilled it will be planted with trees and grasses to prevent occurrence of what is happening now.”
On completion of the construction works Fawu added, “The contractor said he will complete the project one year before the completion date that’d the one of FCE, this one is for one year and it was signed sometimes this year we hope that before next raining season it will be completed. It’s 10km behind International Hotel to Commissioner of Police residence it will be done within one year.”
He disclosed that the major challenge has been attitude of community members who after collecting compensation want to reclaim their lands, “The communities want to reclaim their land used to be before. Compensation has been paid before. I want to appeal to the communities that once you have been paid compensation know that the lands belong to the government, you can’t go back to the lack. His Excellency once pleaded with them not to use compensation for marriage of new wives. They should get a place to reside, get a shelter, they have been giving us their cooperation and we still need their cooperation. Work is still going on they should give the contractor the needed support,” he added.
Triacta’s official Imran Khan
Also, Manager, Triacta Nigeria Limited, Engineer Imran Khan, noted that construction has attained 80 per cent.
He said, “The construction is 80 per cent completed. Our priority is on the backfilling now and unfortunately all of the materials for the backfilling are borrowed materials bringing materials from far places take time.”
Also, Project Coordinator of Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes, explained that ACReSAL is a World Bank-financed project designed to tackle the pressing issues of land degradation and climate change in 19 states of Northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory.
He commended the support of the governor.
“I’m happy to inform you that the World Bank has graciously approved our design document,” Jauro said.
