How erosion jeopardizes lives of Gada residents in Potiskum
On July 1, 2023, Neptune Prime’s correspondent Ibraheem EL-El-Tafseer captured a video of a ravaging gully erosion that has destroyed several houses with others on the verge of collapse in Gada community situated along Kano Road in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The Citizen Reports conducted an extensive investigation into the situation, affirming the severe effects of erosion on the community.
Local residents are currently experiencing significant distress due to the devastating effects of the gully erosion. They are filled with sorrow and fear as their shelters are ruthlessly torn apart by this natural disaster.
Displacement has become a harrowing reality for many, exacerbating the already dire consequences they face.
Every rainy season, specifically in Unguwar Kwari, the residents of Gada endure sleepless nights fearing the destruction of their homes by heavy rainfall. The erosion has had a profound impact on their houses, primarily due to the inadequate reconstruction of drainages and culverts.
During interviews, frustrated residents expressed their repeated complaints to the authorities regarding this issue. Regrettably, the government has yet to take substantial action to address the problem, leaving the community feeling neglected and unsupported.
It is disheartening when communities affected by natural disasters are not provided with the necessary assistance from the government. Erosion can have devastating consequences, including property damage and displacement, and it is crucial for the government to act promptly to mitigate these effects. Prioritizing the reconstruction of drainages and culverts is essential to manage water effectively and prevent further erosion. Long-term solutions, such as erosion control projects and infrastructure improvements, should also be considered.
Abdul Karim Rabi’u Mato, a resident of Gada, shared his serious concern with The Citizen Reports about the imminent threat to his sole house by the devastating erosion.
He emotionally recounted that the erosion has worsened due to the government’s indifferent approach to ensuring sufficient waterways in Potiskum and its environs.
“I am deeply concerned about the ongoing erosion threat that poses a considerable risk to our homes. We live in constant fear of losing our houses to erosion. I kindly request Governor Mai-Mala Buni to provide assistance and support to our community during this difficult time.” He said.
Another resident, Abbas Hassan also shared with TCR about the impending erosion threat to his home, as it is now a mere 8 meters away.
“This rainy season has taken a toll on me psychologically, as I find myself uncertain of where to seek refuge if my house succumbs to erosion. I earnestly appeal to Yobe State Government to intervene promptly and help safeguard our lives.” Abbas concluded.
Mallam Salihu, also strongly emphasized that a majority of the people residing in Unguwar Kwari are underprivileged and have been grappling with erosion issues for several years.
“We placed our trust in Governor Mai-Mala Buni when we cast our votes, hoping that our problems would be addressed and resolved.”He further said.
Some of the dwellers of Gada told The Citizen Reports that the construction company named FERMA, had been awarded a contract by Governor Ibrahim Geidam’s administration to construct culverts as a measure to address the menace.
According to them, the project carried out by FERMA was highly unprofessional, lasting only a few months before it collapsed.
Despite the failure project, the subsequent administration of Governor Geidam had in 2018 awarded a contract to Mothercat Construction Company.
Unfortunately, the efforts of the Mothercat also proved to be short-lived, as their project only lasted for a few months before being devastated.
In addition, the investigation reveals that the Gada community in Potiskum is facing the devastating consequences of erosion, which poses a severe threat to their homes and lives.
However, despite their repeated complaints and pleas, the Yobe State Government is yet to take residual action to address the problem. Furthermore, the construction companies awarded contracts to tackle the erosion issue have been unable to provide a lasting solution, further exacerbating the distress faced by the residents.
Similarly, TCR noted that the failure to address the erosion problem will have far-reaching and overwhelming consequences beyond the Gada community; as it will impact the entire town of Potiskum. This is because the erosion will eventually affect the bridge that connects Potiskum with neighbouring states such as Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, and Gombe.
As a result, business activities in the town will be severely affected, as a significant number of trucks carrying goods rely on the Unguwar Kwari bridge for transportation.
Given these circumstances, all relevant parties shall intervene and take action to address this erosion issue promptly.
Efforts to hear from the Yobe State Government halt as of the time of filing this report.
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