Poor Drainage at Jalingo Trailer Park Triggers Erosion in Kpanti-Napu Community By Peter Ugbidye

Residents of Kpanti-Napu village in Jalingo have raised concerns over severe erosion they say was caused by poorly constructed drainage systems at the newly established Jalingo Trailer Park.

Community members alleged that the drainage project, executed by Mesotho Group Limited (MGL), redirected storm water toward their settlement rather than channeling it away safely, resulting in widespread environmental damage. 

According to the residents, the situation has led to the formation of about 10 gully erosion sites within the community, destroying properties and farmlands.

Community leaders said the 2023 rainy season alone recorded significant losses, including: about 40 houses destroyed or severely damaged; 37 goats reportedly swept away by flash floods and several hectares of farmland eroded, with crops washed away

The Village Head of Kpanti-Napu, Jauro Patrick Mafong, said the community had written several petitions to the Taraba State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure seeking intervention.

Documents made available to Truth and Facts Newspaper show that the first petition was submitted on December 20, 2023, signed by 24 community leaders.

A follow-up letter was reportedly sent to the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Moseh Luka Jarman, on April 4, 2024.

The community also said another appeal was made to the commissioner on April 3, 2025, during which they were assured the issue would be looked into.

Residents, however, claim that no visible action has been taken to address the problem.

Beyond property damage, the community said the erosion has also affected access between Kpanti-Napu and Kajagwavillages, particularly during the rainy season.

For years, residents said they have requested the construction of a culvert linking the two communities, noting that the area becomes difficult and dangerous to cross when water levels rise.

The youth leader of the village, Mr. Sunday Kalkah, called on the state government to urgently intervene to prevent further destruction.

Community leaders are urging the government to reconstruct the drainage system at the Trailer Park, implement erosion control measures, and construct the long-requested culvert linking the two communities.

With the next rainy season approaching, residents say urgent action is needed to prevent further damage to homes, farms and local infrastructure.