NEWMAP COMMENCES ASSESSMENT TOUR OF GULLY EROSION SITES ACROSS THE COUNTRY 20-08-24
By Sadiq Aminu The tour is aimed at assessing identified erosion sites with a view to studying and drawing plans on how to address the environmental challenges affecting the communities..
During a visit of NEWMAP team to Nasarawa state led by the National Coordinator Doctor Ayuba Andah, about Fifteen gully erosion sites in six local government areas of the state have been identified for construction..
NEWMAP, initially a World Bank assisted programme has been repositioned after a brief suspension to continue environmental interventions in the country in partnership with the European Investment Bank.
The NEWMAP-European Investment Bank EIB programme focuses on implementing measures to reduce soil erosion and landslides,,Protecting and restoring watersheds to maintain Ecosystem services and Supporting economic growth and poverty reduction through environmental conservation..
During a familiarization visit to the Emir of Nasarawa, Ibrahim Usman Jibrin, the National Coordinator of NEWMAP Doctor Ayuba Andah told the royal father that they were in the palace to seek his blessings and advise as the former minister of Environment when the programme was initiated..
Nasarawa state NEWMAP Coordinator Ismaila Mohammad noted that the affected erosion areas in the state were identified in consultation with members of the communities and depending on the level of damage caused by the erosion..
The Emir of Nasarawa, Ibrahim Jibrin expressed displeasure with the performance of the previous management of the state NEWMAP and urged the new Coordinator to be committed and live above board as well as ensure prudent management of funds allocated for each project.
Local government areas in Nasarawa state to benefit from the NEWMAP/EIB environmental intervention projects are Karu, Lafia, Akwanga, Obi, Nasarawa and Wamba.