Gombe Governor Compensates 343 People Affected By Gully Erosion Project

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, of Gombe State has officially presented cheques to 343 people affected by the 21-kilometer Federal College of Education, Technical, FCE (T), Gombe Gully Control Project under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes ACReSAL, Gombe State.

Speaking during the event held at Jauro-Abare Community in Gombe, Governor Yahaya said the cheques were presented as part of the project to the individuals directly affected by the project.

Governor Yahaya said the list included 60 vulnerable people, such as the elderly, heads of households, widows and the poorest of the poor, who were included on compassionate grounds.

“Our administration recognizes the impact this project has on the lives and livelihoods of our people, and it is our duty to ensure that those affected are adequately compensated in order to enable them relocate with ease,” Governor Yahaya said.

It will be recalled that in November 2023, the contract was signed for the 12-billion-naira FCE (T) Gully Erosion Control Project, which the governor considers a significant step in his administration’s commitment to environmental remediation and community development.

Governor Yahaya said ₦389 million, 740 thousand,114 naira had been earmarked for the payment of the compensation to the project affected persons, as well as the general implementation of the Resettlement Action Plan, RAP.

He said the event demonstrated the dual commitment of the government to protect the environment and safeguard the livelihoods of those directly affected by the project, as well as to mitigate the inconveniences associated with relocation and to assist those affected by the project to rebuild their lives in their new environments.

According to him, to ensure easy relocation of projected-affected persons, the administration reviewed the compensation to a decent amount, after considering the change in market values for land and other assets.

“I would like to assure you that the process will be implemented with utmost transparency, equity and fairness,” said Governor Yahaya.

The Gombe State Governor urged the beneficiaries to make good use of this opportunity.

He also announced the payment of N892 million, 740 thousand and 114 naira as the State Government’s counterpart contribution in to enable the implementation of the FCE (T) Gully Erosion Project.

“Previously, we have also ensured the successful execution of the GSU-Mallam Inna gully erosion project under NEWMAP, and we are committed to addressing other gully erosion sites through partnerships with ACReSAL and other stakeholders,” said Governor Yahaya.

He thanked the affected households and families for their resilience, understanding and cooperation, while expressing deep appreciation to the ACReSAL team, the World Bank and other stakeholders who were contributing to the success of the project.

The Gombe State Governor also restated his administration’s commitment towards addressing the various environmental challenges affecting Gombe State communities.

“Together, we shall overcome those challenges, and build a resilient, vibrant, and environmentally sustainable Gombe State,” said Governor Yahaya.

The Commissioner of Water Resources, Environment and Forest Resources, Mr. Sa’idu Muhammadu Fawu, said part of those to be compensated would be 226 individuals who would lose their homes, while another 165 economic trees would be affected and 317 people were those whose property were partially affected, such as walls.

The Gombe State ACReSaL Coordinator, Mr. Sani Adamu Jauro appreciated the governor’s zeal in putting his people first in all his policies and projects, applauding the various reforms embarked upon which he said have greatly simplified the running of ACReSaL activities in the state.

Mr. Jauro called on benefiting communities to take ownership of the project and keenly support its proper implementation.

Oyenike Oyeniyi