From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
The Gombe State government has signed an N12.57 billion contract for the control of gully erosion along a 21-kilometre stretch of the FCET Gombe to Railway Line. The contract was signed under the auspices of the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACRESAL) project.
The ACRESAL is a project being supported by the World Bank and implemented by the Federal Government in collaboration with Gombe and other state governments. The project aims to build the resilience of agricultural communities in Nigeria’s semi-arid regions. The contract for the gully erosion control work involves the construction of a perimeter bund and the provision of drainage facilities to prevent further erosion and protect communities along the area as well as some parts of the railway line.
Speaking during the contract signing ceremony on Wednesday in Gombe, the state governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the contract which was awarded to Triacta Nigeria Limited, as a significant step towards building environmental resilience to project agricultural communities as well as other residents of Gombe state many of whom are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
“Gombe State is regarded as the erosion capital of the north-east subregion. Over several decades, we have witnessed the devastating impact of gully erosion, posing threats to agricultural lands, displacing communities, and endangering the future of our environment. The signing of this contract for the control of FCE (T) Gombe Gully which traverses through London-Maidorowa, Mallam-Inna Wuro-Ladde, Wuro-Kesa, Arawa and Kagarawal, marks our unwavering commitment to the preservation of our environment and safeguarding the livelihoods of the people.
It is estimated that over 400,000 people live along the gully corridors in Gombe State, living in constant fear for their lives and property. About 85% of those people are poor, and therefore lack the wherewithal and resilience to withstand or mitigate against such devastating environmental menace,” the governor said while,” Governor Yahaya said.
The governor explained that apart from the efforts of World Bake’s ACReSAL project in Gombe, the state government had developed and implemented various intervention projects that have successfully addressed gully erosion challenges in parts of Gombe State University (GSU) to Mallam-Inna as well as the control of other gully sites that traverses through Buba/Shongo, Federal Lowcost, Gambo Isari and Jekadafari down to Gombe central roundabout.
He added that the Unguwa-Uku gully erosion site, as well as those at Wuro-Shi’e, Hurumin Da’u, GGSS Doma, and Liji, are among the list of gully erosion sites to be controlled with the support of ACReSAL in due course. He said, “It is this unwavering commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability that informed the launch of the Gombe Goes Green (3G) project within the first weeks of our administration. The project targeted the planting of 4 million trees to combat desertification, deforestation and soil erosion.
Since 2019, this administration has undertaken various intervention projects. I am confident that with the help of the ACRESAL project, just like its predecessor project (NEWMAP), we are continuing on a journey to reclaim our environmental landscapes, protect our communities, and secure a prosperous future for generations yet unborn. This project aligns with our broader vision for Gombe State, as captured in our 10-year Development Plan (The Development Agenda for Gombe State – DEVAGOM) — which seeks to build a state that flourishes economically and is rooted in environmental safety and sustainability,” Governor Yahaya stated.
While congratulating the project-impacted communities and the entire people of Gombe State the Governor assured that his administration will continue to leverage on opportunities to restore the environment, enhance productivity, and improve the livelihoods of the people. He equally tasked the contract other stakeholders to put in their best and work for the success of the project. Speaking further Governor Yahaya also appreciated the World Bank and the ACRESAL project team for their support and commitment to the wellbeing of the people.
He said, “Our people can now heave a big sigh of relief as we sign this contract today, which is worth twelve billion, fifty-seven million, two hundred and forty-eight thousand, two hundred and sixty-seven naira.”
Meanwhile, on his part, the ACReSAL Project Coordinator (PC) Amb. Sani Adamu Jauro commended the state governor for investing so much in the restoration of the environment. He equally appreciated the World Bake and the federal government as well as other stakeholders for staying focused and committed to addressing issues affecting the most vulnerable members of the society.