Edo moves to tackle 129 erosion sites

File photo: Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.

The Edo State Government has identified 129 gully erosion sites requiring urgent intervention to address ecological challenges threatening communities across the state.

The Chairman of the Edo State Ecological Funding and Management Commission, Terry Igiebor, disclosed this to journalists in Benin on Friday.

Igiebor said the commission identified the sites during a statewide assessment tour of 16 local government areas.

“The Ecological Funding and Management Commission has identified 129 gully erosion sites in the state that require urgent intervention to address worsening ecological challenges threatening communities across the state.

“The assessment was aimed at identifying communities facing serious environmental challenges and determining the level of intervention required,” he said.

Igiebor listed gully erosion, blocked drainage channels, deforestation and environmentally induced road deterioration among the issues being investigated.

He described the situation in some rural communities as alarming, citing cases of residents living dangerously close to deep erosion channels.

Igiebor recalled an incident in which a 57-year-old man reportedly lost his life following an erosion-related disaster, adding that some communities had also experienced cases of children being swept away by floodwaters.

The chairman assured residents that locations identified as emergencies would receive attention before the next rainy season.

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According to him, the commission is developing a one-year intervention roadmap, while the ongoing assessment will provide important input into the state’s 2027 budget.

He added that the commission is exploring funding opportunities through the Federal Government’s Ecological Project Office, the World Bank, the United Nations and other international development partners.

Igiebor explained that the law establishing the commission provides for the equitable distribution of ecological interventions across the state’s three senatorial districts to ensure that no area is neglected.

He said the commission was particularly concerned about vulnerable communities whose residents lack the financial resources and access to government officials to draw attention to their environmental problems.

Igiebor further stressed that interventions should not be determined solely by the ability of communities to lobby for government attention.

On measures to address recurring ecological challenges, Igiebor said the commission is planning an environmental education and orientation programme to sensitise residents on the causes of erosion and other environmental problems.

He blamed indiscriminate waste disposal, blocked drainage channels and poor environmental practices for contributing to flooding and other ecological challenges, insisting that residents must complement government efforts by protecting their environment.

The chairman said the commission will unveil its master plan and work schedule to guide communities on their responsibilities, adding that addressing the root causes of ecological problems will reduce the huge resources required for environmental remediation.