Gombe State has reached a critical juncture in its fight against devastating effect of gully erosion, which has ravaged over 200 communities, consuming thousands of hectares of land, destroying structures and leaving many families homeless.
The state’s landscape has been severely altered, with deep gullies and ravines now a common sight. This environmental degradation has not only destroyed properties but also threatened the livelihoods of many residents.
In a bid to combat this environmental degradation, the Gombe State Government under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has secured international intervention from the European Investment Bank (EIB), which supports the Nigeria Erosion Adaptation and Watershed Project (NEWMAP EIB). This EIB-assisted initiative aims to reduce Nigeria’s vulnerability to soil erosion and land degradation.
NEWMAP EIB has been working closely with state governments to identify and address critical erosion sites.
Recently, a delegation from the National Project Implementation Unit, led by its coordinator, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks visited Gombe to assess potential beneficiary communities.
The delegation’s visit marked a significant step towards addressing environmental challenges facing Gombe State. With the support of NEWMAP EIB, the state government is poised to make significant progress in mitigating effect of gully erosion.
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 Kundulum and Arawa communities in Gombe Metropolis.
In addition, the team assessed the damage done by active erosion in Jauro Tukur, Jauro Musa, and Unguwar Zana in Kumo, the headquarters of Akko Local Government. 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 damages to social amenities.
These criteria will guide the delegation’s assessment and ensure that the most critical areas receive attention. Gombe State’s struggle with gully erosion is a long-standing one, with many residents having lost their homes and livelihoods to the devastating effects of erosion.
However, with the support of NEWMAP EIB, there is hope for a better future.
The state government has demonstrated its commitment to addressing the issue by paying its counterpart funding to the tune of five hundred million (N500,000,000) naira only, and the visit by the NEWMAP EIB delegation marks a significant step forward.
Residents are optimistic that the intervention will bring much-needed relief and restore their communities.
Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP EIB, emphasized the importance of the delegation’s visit.
“We are committed to supporting Gombe State in its fight against gully erosion. Our assessment will guide the development of effective interventions that address the root causes of erosion.”
The delegation’s visit also provided an opportunity for residents to share their experiences and concerns. Many expressed gratitude for the intervention and appealed for swift action to address the devastating effects of erosion.
Gombe State Project Coordinator, NEWMAP EIB, Dr. Shittu Whanda Jafaru, who accompanied the delegation, 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.”
The visit by the NEWMAP EIB delegation has rekindled hope among residents that their communities will be restored. With the support of NEWMAP EIB, Gombe State is poised to make significant progress in mitigating the effects of gully erosion.
As the delegation continues its assessment, residents eagerly await the development of effective interventions that will address the root causes of the erosion. The state government’s commitment to addressing the issue, combined with the support from NEWMAP EIB, provides a beacon of hope for a better future.
In the coming weeks, the NEWMAP EIB delegation will present its findings and recommendations to the state government. This will pave the way for the development of effective interventions that address the devastating effects of gully erosion.