No fewer than 200 communities in Gombe are said to have been affected by gully erosion consuming thousands of hectares of land, destroying homes, and leaving many families homeless. However, hope is on the horizon as the state government, with the support of the European Investment Bank (EIB)-assisted Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP EIB), is working to combat the environmental degradation.
“We are committed to supporting Gombe State in its fight against gully erosion,” said Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP EIB. “Our assessment will guide the development of effective interventions that address the root causes of erosion.”
Yalaks gave this assurance recently in Gombe when he led a delegation from the National Project Implementation Unit, to assess potential beneficiary communities.
On his part, Gombe State Project Coordinator, NEWMAP EIB, Dr. Shittu Whanda Jafaru, expressed appreciation for the support from the National Project Implementation Unit of the NEWMAP EIB. “We are grateful for the intervention, which will go a long way in addressing the environmental challenges facing our state,” he said.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the state government has demonstrated its commitment to addressing the issue by paying its counterpart funding to the tune of N500 million.
Recall that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya pledged to work tirelessly to ensure that the state’s environmental challenges are addressed.
The team inspected active gully erosion sites in five Local Government Areas of the state, including major drainage areas that traverse Wuro Shi’e, Bomala, Yarima Quarters, and Galdimari, as well as GGSS Doma and Unguwa Uku. They also visited Kundulun and Arawa communities in Gombe metropolis.
In addition, the team assessed the damage done by active erosion in Jauro Tukur, Jauro Musa, and Unguwa Zana in Kumo, headquarters of Akko LGA. They also visited Poshiya, Gada Uku, and COE Billiri, where the erosion is threatening the growth and development of the areas.
In Kaltungo and Shongom Local Government Areas, the team assessed the damage done by active erosion in the two communities.
These areas have been severely affected by gully erosion, with many residents struggling to cope with the aftermath.
The selection criteria for beneficiary communities focus on four key areas: threats to human life, disrupted social structures, threats to livelihood, and damaged social amenities.
These criteria will guide the delegation’s assessment and ensure that the most critical areas receive attention.
The visit by the NEWMAP EIB delegation rekindled hope among residents that their communities will be restored, as it provided an opportunity for residents to share their experiences and concerns. “We are optimistic that the intervention will bring much-needed relief and restore our communities,” said a resident, who lost his home to erosion.
Our correspondent gathered that in the coming weeks, the NEWMAP EIB delegation will present its findings and recommendations to the state government, paving the way for the development of effective interventions that address the devastating effects of gully erosion.
Good work for control of erosion