Governor Inuwa’s Multi-faceted Approach To Tackling Water Challenges

Gombe, like many other cities in Northern Nigeria, recently faced a water crisis. This scarcity stemmed from a combination of factors – a prolonged dry season and unprecedented heatwaves exacerbated by climate change. These factors combined to create a critical situation for residents of Gombe Metropolis and surrounding areas.

Adding to the woes, a vandalized power line on the crucial 330KV Jos-Gombe transmission line further disrupted water supply. The Dadinkowa water treatment plant, which serves the metropolis and its environs, relies solely on a dedicated power line from Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) Plc for uninterrupted operation. With the vandalized line, water production and distribution came to a complete halt, impacting not just households, but also livelihoods and overall social life within the affected areas.  

However, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya responded swiftly to the crisis. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, he directed the Ministry of Water, Environment and Forest Resources to immediately fix the fault and ensure the restoration of power supply to the Dadinkowa treatment plant. 

Acting on the directive, the ministry mobilized a strong technical team which immediately swung into action to replace the damaged poles and repair the power cables. While initial attempts faced a temporary setback, repairs were successfully completed on April 30th, allowing water production to resume and much-needed relief to flow to the people of Gombe.

While the immediate crisis was addressed, Governor Inuwa Yahaya understood that a more permanent solution was necessary. The recent water disruption served as a stark reminder of the limitations of Gombe’s aging water infrastructure. The city’s population has boomed in recent years due to internal displacement and rural-urban migration. This exponential growth has placed immense strain on existing resources.  

RELATED

The Sacred Months

9 hours ago

Mining Marshals – A Smart, Non-kinetic Turn In Nigeria’s Fight Against Illegal Mining

9 hours ago

Governor Inuwa prioritizes public health and economic development, two areas heavily dependent on access to safe and readily available water, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO emphasizes the importance of safe water for drinking and sanitation, food production, and recreation. Improved water management can also boost economic growth and reduce poverty. 

Recognizing these challenges, Governor Inuwa Yahaya isn’t content with just fixing immediate problems. He’s actively taking proactive measures to ensure a sustainable water future for Gombe. 

In 2019, upon assuming office, he inherited a water system in disrepair, burdened with over N5 billion in outstanding debts to contractors and suppliers. Despite these economic difficulties, the Governor prioritized water security.

On January 6th, 2023, he demonstrated his commitment by launching a multi-billion Naira project to rehabilitate, expand, and upgrade the Gombe Regional Water Supply Scheme. This over 11 billion Naira project is a significant investment that reflects his focus on providing his people with basic necessities, prioritizing essential services over grandiose projects. 

The project encompasses several key initiatives designed to significantly bolster Gombe’s water infrastructure:

Construction of Three New Mega Booster Stations:These stations, each with a capacity of 1.5 million liters, significantly increases the water pressure and ensure better distribution throughout the city.

Complete Rehabilitation and Upgrade of the Wuro Juli Water Scheme: This existing 5 million-liter capacity scheme was completely overhauled, with solar energy being installed to improve its efficiency and overall production capacity.

Establishment of a New Borehole-Based Water Scheme and Treatment Plant in Tabra: This new 300,000-liter capacity scheme provides an additional, reliable water source and pumping capacity.

Rehabilitation and Replacement of the Overhead Tank at the Women Center:The existing 1.5 million-liter capacity tank was refurbished to ensure adequate water storage and distribution in that area.

Replacement of Outdated Valves and Installation of Meters: This initiative improves the overall efficiency of the water distribution system by minimizing water loss and leakages.

Construction of a Critical 160-kilometer High-Density Polyethylene Pipeline: This new pipeline expanded the water distribution network, reaching currently underserved communities and ensuring more equitable access to clean water. A key aspect of this project is its focus on sustainability. The project incorporates solar components, reducing reliance on the national grid and diesel generators. This not only reduces operational costs but also minimizes environmental impact, making the water supply more sustainable in the long term.

By addressing both the immediate crisis and the underlying infrastructure challenges, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has demonstrated uncommon commitment to working towards a future where all residents of Gombe will have access to clean and safe water for a healthy and prosperous life.