Gombe Residents Face Water Crisis as State Targets Illegal Connections
Posted by Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan | 8 months ago | 687 times
In response to the worsening water scarcity crisis in the Gombe Metropolis, the Gombe State Government has established a task force dedicated to dismantling all unauthorized connections affecting the main pipeline supplying water to the regional reservoirs.
Speaking at a press conference held in the ministry's Conference Hall, Commissioner for Water, Environment, and Forest Resources, Alhaji Mohammed Sa'idu Fawu, unveiled the government's decisive measures against the widespread illegal tapping into the primary water pipeline from the Dadin-kowa treatment plant.
The Commissioner stressed that such unlawful activities have significantly hindered the government's efforts to ensure consistent water supply, despite carefully crafted rationing schedules.
Expressing concern over allegations implicating both current and retired staff of the Gombe State Water Board, colluding with outsiders to facilitate illegal connections, Fawu issued a stern warning, adding that any servstaff found involved would face disciplinary actions under the Civil Service regulations, while retired personnel would be subject to arrest and prosecution.
He said, “I know residents are complaining that they don’t get enough water in their houses and there is reason to that and there is need to engage you to know the challenges that we are facing. Water supplied into your residence, clean drinking water comes from Dadinkowa Treatment Plant. It’s important to note that it’s not just pumped from the dam it has to be treated and it costs the government more than N150 million monthly just to treat the water and ensure that the water is clean excluding electricity cost. The N150 million is just for treatment of the water.”
Highlighting the substantial financial investment, the Commissioner disclosed that approximately 15 million Naira is allocated monthly towards water treatment.
Fawu reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to providing accessible drinking water to Gombe residents and announced that the task force would commence operations immediately, with no tolerance for offenders until rectification is achieved.
He urged residents to adhere to established protocols for obtaining legitimate water connections, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in resolving the crisis.
Furthermore, addressing concerns regarding unpaid water bills, plans for a metering exercise slated for inclusion in the 2024 work plan were revealed. This involves the purchase and installation of 15,000 meters.
Recalling the initial construction of the Gombe Regional Water Supply Scheme intended to serve 250,000 people, Fawu highlighted the current challenge of serving over a million residents due to population growth. He reiterated ongoing efforts by the state government, in collaboration with the federal ministry for water resources, towards rehabilitation, expansion, and upgrade projects to meet escalating demands.
