In a bid to ensure environmental preservation, the Gombe State government under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes – ACReSAL has signed a contract worth N12,057,248,267 for the control of the 21 Km Federal College of Education (Technical) to Railway Line gully erosion site.

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.

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 Bank’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, GGC 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 was his government’s 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 aimed at planting 4 million trees to combat desertification, deforestation, and soil erosion.

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 project’s success. 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”.

Earlier in a welcome remark the Commissioner of Water, Environment and Forest Resources, Mohammed Saidu Fawu said the Gombe State ACReSAL with the support of the government will continue to take viable climate actions that would ensure the protection of the environment and sustainable landscape management.

He disclosed that the ACReSAL Project has been in line with its development objective restored 31 hectares of degraded land and planted 9,761 seedlings across the state.

on his part, the Gombe State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Amb. Sani Adamu Jauro commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his support to ACReSAL, assuring that the ACReSAL Staff exert more commitment to the success of the project and the state as a whole.

He also thanked the World Bank and the ACReSAL national office for their support and guidance.