2/2024 - Terracrete™ permeable paver provides flood alleviation in Benin City, Nigeria

Gapoina-Urora Flood Control Project

Initiated 2020, the Gapoina-Urora Flood Control Project, situated in Benin City, Nigeria, is part of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP). NEWMAP works in conjunction with the different state ministries of environment and the federal ministry of environment at the national level. It is a World Bank assisted project aimed at addressing the gully erosion crisis presently in 22 States in Nigeria.

Grading of the heavily eroded area, Benin City

Ako Adenyini becomes Terraforce licensed manufacturer

That same year Terraforce signed up Aki Adeniyi Limited to manufacture the Terracrete permeable pavers in Nigeria. Ako Adeniyi then managed to secure a substantial contract through the Gapoina-Urora Flood Control Project, to provide stormwater management in Edo State, Benin City.

The Terracrete paver was identified as ideal for the task, able to provide a flexible and permeable eco-surface that can used with or without ground anchors for the lining of riverbanks and other areas subjects to soil erosion.

Laying of the Terraforce Terracrete blocks

The Terracrete blocks are cabled together with 2mm steel cable

To ensure even better stability during severe storms, the blocks were also linked to each other via 2mm stainless steel cable threaded through holes custom created during the manufacturing process of the wet cast block in polyurethane moulds.

The shallow Terracrete lined channel — The Terracrete blocks are cabled together with 2mm steel cable

Inlet culverts lined with Terracrete blocks

In total 21,664 (2642 sqm) Terracrete blocks were laid on site, with long, shallow channels and wide V-shaped stormwater culverts directing excess storm water towards strategically placed detention ponds that then discharge it into the local underground storm water system.

An over view of the Terracrete surface that will protect the area during future floods

Successful floood intervention

And it seems that this intervention, among others, has been successful so far. The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) in Edo State have been commended for bringing succour and restoring the hope of residents in flood-prone communities in the state.

Some residents, who are beneficiaries of the project’s gully sites and flood alleviation intervention within the Benin metropolis, said the government has continued to alleviate their sufferings, improving the living standards of the people.

An arial view of the rehabilitated area, you can see the Terracrete channels leading up to the detention pond

Said Elder Richard Omwenyeke, a resident of Ebo Street, thanked the government for the massive erosion control projects from Gapiona to Amagba River.

He said the project has renewed the confidence of residents of the flood-affected and gully erosion areas, adding, “They can now live and make progress in their communities without fear.”

“We thank the government for coming to our aid from Gapiona to Ugiokpen, Ebo, Ugbor, Ogumwenyi, down to Amagba,” Omwenyeke added.