By Segun Adewale in Gombe
In a swift response to the recent infrastructure damage caused by erosion and flooding in Gombe Metropolis, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has ordered relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA)s to visit all affected locations for an on-the-spot assessment and to provide prompt recommendations for government intervention to safeguard both public and private properties.
Acting on the Governor’s directives, the state Commissioner of Works and Transport, through the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Danladi Adamu, led a team on the assessment visit to the affected areas yesterday.
They inspected nine locations where infrastructure and public property were severely affected by heavy rainfall in Gombe and its environs.
Speaking during the visit, the Permanent Secretary explained that the visit was in line with the Governor’s standing directive to immediately assess and respond to such incidents.
“As a leader always concerned with the plight of his people, the Governor gave clear orders for immediate assessment of the washouts. We have inspected about nine sites and carried out on-the-spot evaluations”.
“Recommendations will be made, with priority given to areas requiring urgent intervention, while long-term solutions will also be highlighted”, the permanent secretary stated.
He assured residents that the government would not relent in addressing the situation to ensure public convenience and safeguard critical infrastructure.
He further appealed to communities to take ownership of government projects executed especially roads and drainages by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse or building on water ways.
During the visit, the team inspected several sites including road cut-off in Orji Quarters close to Yahuza Suya spot, Shehu Abubakar District along the ongoing construction site near High Court, Gadan Dahiru Deba in Pantami, Jekadafari near Gambo Isari Resident, Madaki, Kundulum and Tumfure, among other erosion-prone areas.
Representatives of Triacta Nigeria Ltd, Engineer Imran Khan, noted the technical challenges posed by untraceable waterways and high water volumes which came up as a results of some development projects and increase in built up areas.
Engr Khan assured that the company would collaborate with relevant agencies like GOSUPDA to reestablish water channels and implement effective control measures.
Residents such as Mr. Sam Uso of Orji Quarters, whose home was affected by a collapsed bridge, commended the swift government response to restore access and protect livelihoods.
Officials noted that while some areas require immediate rehabilitation, others would be integrated into the ongoing gully erosion control project for more sustainable intervention.
The assessment team included officials from the Ministries of Works, Housing and Transport, Water Resources, Forest and Environment, GOSUPDA and Triacta Nigeria Ltd, among others.
Since its inception, the Inuwa Yahaya-led administration has remained consistent in implementing standard infrastructure and erosion-control projects, including the 21 km FCE(T)–Unguwa Uku Gully Erosion Project and the ongoing Multi-billion Naira mega gully erosion project stretching from Abdullahi Ganduje Road to Doma area, on the eastern outskirts of Gombe Metropolis spanning over 18 kilometers.
