Effects of Gully Erosion on Infrastructure in Katsina-Ala Town, Benue State

Iyortyer Clara Torkwase, Hundu Williams Terseer

Abstract: Gully erosion has serious consequences if left unchecked or uncontrolled and these effects range from ecological, social and economical effect. It also poses potential threat to the physical infrastructure. The objectives of this study were to, map out gully sites in Katsina-Ala Town using GIS techniques, assess the relationship between gully parameters and their effects on infrastructure in Katsina-Ala Town, evaluate the effects of gully erosion on infrastructure in Katsina-Ala town and suggest appropriate recommendations for measures of control. Data were collected using primary and secondary sources, analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics, Findings from the study revealed that: a strong correlation exists between gully width and damages on physical infrastructure, weak correlation between depth of gullies and damages to infrastructure and moderate correlation between gully length and physical infrastructure damage in the study area; gully erosion has affected or has potential effects on 67 buildings, 10 pipelines, 25 electric poles 47 streets and 21 culverts. The study recommends preventive measures to avert the adverse effects of gully erosion on infrastructural facilities in Katsina-Ala town.

Keywords: Gully Erosion, Infrastructure, Katsina-Ala, Benue State