World Bank commends ongoing erosion control project in Gombe

The scale, quality, and impact of ongoing erosion control interventions in Gombe State, backed by the World Bank, have been commended.

The commendation was made by a delegation from the World Bank, led by its Country Director for Nigeria, Matthew Verghis, which is in Gombe on an assessment visit to ongoing World Bank-funded projects and programmes, expressing strong admiration for the quality of work.

The delegation, which was accompanied by the State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, undertook an inspection of the FCE (T) Watershed Management Project, where they assessed the 21-kilometre gully erosion control project being implemented under ACReSAL.

At the project site, a representative of Triacta Nigeria Limited, Imran Khan, provided technical details, explaining that the extensive intervention combines reinforced concrete structures with bioremediation techniques designed to restore degraded land and prevent further erosion.

He emphasised that the project’s integrated approach ensures long-term environmental sustainability and resilience.

Also speaking, the State Coordinator of ACReSAL, Sani Adamu Jauro, explained the human dimension of the intervention.

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He disclosed that the project has gone beyond infrastructure to include livelihood support for affected communities, with over 100 beneficiaries currently accessing waste management and rainwater harvesting facilities.

He added that a community revolving fund exceeding N350 million has been established to stimulate economic activities and enhance resilience among residents.

Some beneficiaries who spoke during the visit shared compelling testimonies, crediting the intervention with restoring their hope, improving livelihoods, and protecting homes and farmlands from the devastating effects of erosion.

In a symbolic show of commitment to environmental sustainability, the World Bank Country Director and the Tunisian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohsen Antit, participated in a tree-planting exercise in support of Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s green revolution programme.