Vulnerability to Risk of Gully Erosion on Transportation routes and Landed Properties in Benin City Nigeria

Abstract

The Edo State Ministry of Environment registered 25 gully erosion sites in Benin City. The impacts of some of them have been very detrimental to lives, destroying roads and properties worth billions of Naira. Despite the treat to lives, properties, and accessibility, many are still living around the gullies. The study examined the perceptions of the population at risk and their preparedness to relocate. Questionnaire, GPS, Field measurement, and Google Earth Image were used as data sources to accomplish the objective of the paper. The result indicates that there is a high level of perception among the population at risk. Residents’ perceived vulnerability to gully hazards is directly related to their proximity to the hazard point, while the level of residents’ preparedness to vacate the gully environment is directly related to perceived vulnerability and financial capability. The study result was depicted in map form. Though managing the gully erosion hazard is beyond the capability of the residents within the neighbourhoods, government intervention has been very poor. The study recommended the relocation of populations at risk, while advance drainage designs and construction be executed in order to put an end to the gully.