FCT Community, Checheyi, Battles Severe Gully Erosion Threatening Infrastructure

In the heart of Kwali Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Checheyi community is grappling with a worsening problem of gully erosion that endangers its roads, schools, and homes. Mr. Bitrus Dauda, the community’s secretary, has raised the alarm, urging authorities to act swiftly to address the environmental crisis.

Guiding visitors through the affected areas, Mr. Dauda pointed to a deep gully that has swallowed parts of what was once a busy road. “This used to be the main path where people walked,” he explained. “But as the gully grew deeper, we had to shift to another route.” The erosion has forced residents to adapt, but the new paths are also at risk as the problem spreads.

The nearby primary school is not spared either. Mr. Dauda showed how the erosion has crept into the school’s grounds, threatening its stability. “You can see it even inside the school field,” he said. “The erosion is deeper here, and it’s the same issue affecting the entire school.” The damage highlights a broader issue of land degradation impacting the whole community.

Pointing out multiple eroded patches and gullies, Mr. Dauda identified poor drainage and the lack of protective barriers as key causes. “There’s no proper fence around the school,” he noted, gesturing to the open land. “Without a boundary to hold the soil, water just washes it away.” This absence of infrastructure is worsening the erosion, leaving the land vulnerable.

Mr. Dauda’s plea for help was heartfelt. “We urgently need support from the government to build a proper road and fix this problem,” he said. His words reflect the community’s growing concern and the pressing need for action to protect Checheyi from further environmental damage.

The situation in Checheyi serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many communities battling natural degradation, calling for immediate intervention to safeguard vital infrastructure and ensure residents’ safety.

By Oladosu Adebola Oluwaseun