The Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) has lauded the Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for providing the counterpart funding for the execution of the project in the state.
The national project coordinator of NEWMAP, Dr. Salisu Dahiru, gave the commendation when he inspected the ongoing Gombe State University – Malam Inna gully erosion control project, saying the success of the NEWMAP’s project in the state was due to the governor’s leadership and support.
Saying the Gombe State NEWMAP has performed well in terms of activity implementation, he pointed out that the quality of the ongoing Gombe State University – Malam Inna work was highly satisfactory despite the speed of work for the project which was initially meant to be completed in 18 months but now would be completed in 7 months.
On post-NEWMAP sustainability plans, he said the World Bank was already fashioning out a project called Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes – ACReSAL, which would be anchored on the NEWMAP structure for continuity, adding Gombe State has all that is required to be enlisted into the new project.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Environment and Forest Resources, Dr. Hussaina Danjuma Goje commended the NEWMAP NPC for guidance and technical support to the Gombe State NEWMAP which he said had helped in realizing the project’s objectives.
She assured other communities that are being threatened by gullies and other environmental challenges that the present administration would come to their aid as Governor Yahaya is determined to address environmental challenges in the state.
Speaking earlier, the Gombe State NEWMAP project coordinator, Engr. Mohammed Garba, explained that the Gombe State University – Malam Inna gully control work which covers up to 7.5 kilometers in length had reached 75 per cent completion rate, adding the project would collaborate with the contractor to explore the possibility of constructing dam that would collect runoff from the storm drains at the downstream for agricultural and other activities.
Earlier, the special adviser to the governor on budget, planning and development partner coordination, Dr. Ishiyaku Mohammed, said policy frameworks that would protect the environment have been provided in the 10- Year Development Plan of the state, assuring that the Gombe would continue to engage the World Bank and other international donor agencies to provide the right solutions for environmental sustainability.
The village heads of Malam Inna and Kagarawal, Haruna Mohammed Bose and Usman Bello respectively, said the Gombe State University – Malam Inna project has been the most important project ever implemented in their communities as it has provided protection for over 100,000 people across the gully corridors.
A statement by the director-general of press affairs, Government House, Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli, said the two traditional leaders affirmed that many people from their communities have directly benefitted from the project through jobs which have improved their lives.
