In order to curb the erosion problem plaguing Gombe and its surrounding environment, the State government, in contract with Triacta Nigeria Limited, sealed a substantial deal worth about N12 billion. This extensive contract signed with Triacta entails the imperative task of gully erosion control, encompassing an impressive 21 kilometre affected region that targets six specific communities. Together, with unwavering determination, Gombe State and Triacta embark on a journey to safeguard these cherished communities from the relentless force of erosion.
Governor Muhammad Yahaya voiced his excitement and passion during his speech at the ceremony. He emphasised the exceptional significance of the project, referring to it as a good achievement that would be seen as a milestone in the state’s history. This ambitious undertaking held significant weight as it sought to revive agricultural and ecological regions that had fallen victim to the devastating forces of gully erosion and environmental degradation. Yahaya’s unwavering commitment and devotion to this noble cause left an incredible mark, offering a sense of inspiration and motivation.
The state has been named the erosion hub of the North East.
Over the years, Gombe has gained a reputation as the erosion hub of the North East region. They have witnessed the destructive consequences of gully erosion, posing a threat to agricultural lands, displacing entire communities, and endangering the environment for generations to come. By officially signing this contract to combat gully erosion along the London-Maidorowa, Mallam-Inna Wuro-Ladde, Wuro-Kesa, Arawa, and Kagarawal route, they are demonstrating a continual dedication to the preservation and protection of both the environment and the people’s livelihoods.
Also, the governor took the opportunity to address the matter publicly, which is of utmost urgency. He shed light on the concerning issue that persists within the state’s boundaries, over 200 sites of erosion that are actively wreaking havoc. More so, the governor further revealed a staggering statistic: a significant population of no less than 400,000 individuals has their homes in the vulnerable gully area of the state. These residents live lives filled with perpetual fear as their safety and possessions remain jeopardised.
85% of the affected population are living in poverty.
Regarding the affected residents, it is disheartening to note that about 85% of the population remains entangled in poverty, this deprives them of the necessary resources to combat the rapidly expanding ecological crisis effectively. Therefore, this is a call for an intervention from the concerned body. On the other hand, the state governor’s relentless commitment to environmental restoration in those regions was also acknowledged by Mohammed Fawu, who is the Commissioner for Water, Environment, and Forest Resources.
According to Fawu, the state government has fulfilled all the prerequisites for the project and has also provided a sum of over N500 million as a counterpart fund. Speaking further, the commissioner highlighted the remarkable achievements of the ACRESAL project so far. He revealed that the state managed to recover vast areas of about 31,000 hectares, which were previously degraded lands. Additionally, more than 9700 trees were also planted in strategic areas across the state.
Land degradation and the impacts of climate change will be tackled.
Lastly, Elie Farhat, who is the Managing Director of Triacta, expressed his admiration for the state government for its unwavering commitment and dedication to improving the welfare and economic prospects of affected communities and also the quality of work to be done. Shedding light on the initiative, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) revealed that it is under the ACRESAL project, which is supported by the World Bank to tackle the deterioration of land and the effects of climate change in the northern regions of Nigeria.
Related Links
Gombe State Website
