Gombe State Government says it has so far spent N2 billion to tackle erosion in 11 areas of the State.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forest Resources, Mr Adamu Pukuma said this while speaking with newsmen in Gombe on Wednesday.
He said that the work done on the 11 projects were mainly drainage rechanneling and crossing slabs.
Pukuma said that the ministry was collaborating with the State Ministry of Works to execute the projects, adding that they were between 35 per cent and 87 per cent completed.
He said that the erosion problem which was initially spotted at the state capital was now stretching to other major communities.
On agriculture, the permanent secretary stated that the ministry had raised 5,000 seedlings, which had been given to various groups and individuals in the state for planting.
NAN reports that the state recently launched tree planting campaign with 200 assorted seedlings.
He said that the ministry was also planning to train women groups on orchards making, as well as raising of seedlings aimed at promoting afforestation.
He further said that the ministry was liaising with the Gombe State House of Assembly to review the forestation law to check the indiscriminate felling of trees.
“We want a more stringent punishment which will serve as deterrent to those who delight in engaging in indiscriminate felling of trees,’’ he said.
He also said the administration had concluded arrangements for the procurement of 10,000 fuel economy stove for use in the state to discourage tree felling. (NAN)