Gombe State Embarks On $32m Erosion Control Project
The Gombe State Government says it has concluded arrangements for the implementation of a 32 million dollars erosion control project, to address land degradation and other environmental challenges.
The project tagged “Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes, ACReSAL is being implemented with the support of the World Bank.
The Project Coordinator, Mr Sani Jauro stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Gombe, Abubakar Shehu-Abubakar III.
He said the visit was to seek for the royal father’s support ahead of the project launch.
He said the state had secured approval for the implementation of the project with the support of Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
The Coordinator said the World Bank aporoved 18-month work plan of the project at the cost of 32 million dollars.
He said the state government had contributed its counter part fund to facilitate smooth execution of the project.
Drains
He stated that 31 kilometers of drains would be constructed to control gullies at Federal College of Education (Technical) – Arawa – Angwan Uku – Railway – Doma communities.
“In view of the fact that land degradation and erosion negatively affect food production, livelihoods and the soil quality.
“The Inuwa Yahaya’s administration prioritised projects aimed at addressing such environment-related challenges.
“Aside addressing the erosion challenges, there is the agriculture component of the project which seeks to engage key stakeholders towards harnessing the irrigation potentials of the state to boost food security,” he said.
Job Opportunities
The project, he said, would create job opportunities for the youths through this component as several hundreds of hectares would be cultivated.
He said that part of the requirement of the project was active engagement of community leaders to create awareness and mobilise support for its effective implementation at the grassroots.
Jauro commended the governor for his commitment towards addressing erosion, land degradation and other environmental challenges in the state.
“Under the Yahaya-led administration, the partnership of the state government and World Bank assisted project of Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) had addressed a N2.9 billion erosion project in Gombe State University.
“That particular intervention saved a lot of the state’s varsity infrastructures threatened by erosion; this is commendable and we appreciate the effort of the governor,” he added.
Responding, Shehu-Abubakar pledged support to projects designed to address social, economic and environmental challenges to help improve the lives and livelihood of the people of the state.
He said with the impact of climate change around the world, it was important for such projects to be supported, “so I support the project 100 per cent.
“My doors are always open, and I will also send out the message to ensure the success of the project for the benefit of our people,” he added.
NAN/Confidence Okwuchi
