Residents of Buni Yadi recount loses over erosion, flood

As Yobe govt, ACReSAL move to tackle challenges   The residents of Buni Yadi of Gujba Local Government Area have recounted their plights over incidents of losing properties and lives in the town due to lingering environmental challenges, especially gully erosion and persistent flooding. The affected community told Daily Trust that several houses, shops, and […]

• As Yobe govt, ACReSAL move to tackle challenges

 

The residents of Buni Yadi of Gujba Local Government Area have recounted their plights over incidents of losing properties and lives in the town due to lingering environmental challenges, especially gully erosion and persistent flooding.

The affected community told Daily Trust that several houses, shops, and farmlands have been eroded, forcing their occupants to leave and put up with relations and neighbours.

A resident, Isuhu Nadabo Jiri, told Daily Trust that members of the community have been battling with gully erosion for over 50 years, by the fact that the majority of them are poor and the commitments of the state government are not enough to salvage their situation.

‘‘This problem had engulfed farmlands, and houses, leading to the loss of lives and properties. This disaster has cut off the new houses built by Governor Mai Mala Buni in the town. It also cut off the zonal office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, filling stations with the main town. One of the reasons why people refused to occupy these houses is because of this erosion, as you can see the road to these houses is not accessible,” he said.

‘‘This gully erosion has also submerged our lands. Many people, including my humble self, have been affected. But with this intervention, I think things would be better and the dignity of the town would be restored,’’ he added.

Another resident of the community, Alhaji Mustapha Malamti, told Daily Trust that the situation of the community worsened as a result of the passing of water, which dug huge sinkholes.

‘‘Every businessman or trader in Buni Yadi, must count losses to about N4 million annually, as a result of flooding, which follows this sinkhole. Initially, the problem was not huge, but due to the lack of commitments by the government, the large volume of water that passed through this erosion expanded and eroded the surrounding areas.

“This situation has given room for water to go through these ways during rainfalls, so many properties were lost as a result of flooding which comes through these ways,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the project will curb the menace of floods and erosion, halting further destruction of the environment and its consequences on agriculture in the community.

Another resident of the community, Ibrahim Dodo Nangere, said several children were killed by the scourge in the community, many homes fallen into deep canyons while residents of the community have boycotted their houses and farmlands.

‘‘We’ve lost our farms, houses, and livelihoods to this disaster. Also, an uncountable number of children lost their lives as a result of local and state governments’ failure to arrest the situation.

‘‘We are hoping that things will get better, as we have seen the commitments of ACReSAL and Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration to end this menace.

‘‘If not because of Buni’s intervention, this problem will gradually engulf the entire community. So, we are calling the attention of the contractor to try as much as possible to do a quality project that will tackle these prolonged environmental challenges,’’ he said.

The residents also expressed happiness at the hints that efforts are being made to address the challenges.

Meanwhile, the Yobe State government in collaboration with the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) has commenced action to tackle the prolonged ecological menace threatening the town.

Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State said the erosion control project marks a crucial milestone in the state’s efforts to curb the devastating effects of floods and erosion in Buni Yadi/Damaturu.

“This project will curb the menace of floods and erosion, halting further destruction of the environment and its consequences on agriculture in the community,” he said.

The governor assured the community that the project will not only mitigate the impact of floods but also optimise water harvesting to boost irrigation agriculture, ensuring food security and economic prosperity.

He urged the community to take ownership of the project, cooperate with the contractors, and protect the infrastructure to ensure maximum benefits.

He presented cheques for compensation to those whose lands were affected by the project.

The governor expressed his appreciation for the resilience of the communities affected by floods and erosion, praising their determination to continue agricultural practices despite the challenges.

He said the project marks a crucial milestone in the state’s efforts to curb the devastating effects of floods and erosion in the Buni Yadi community of Gujba Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking, Task Team Leader of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, Dr Iganya Joy Agene, noted that the World Bank and federal government teams were present to support the governor in carrying out three key developmental activities.

Dr Agene mandated the contractor to ensure that the work was done according to World Bank approval, emphasising the importance of community involvement, job creation, and sustainability.

She urged community members to take ownership of the investment and ensure its long-term benefits.