By Abdul’aziz Ibrahim Hassan

In an earnest effort to combat the prevalent issue of illegal water connections along the primary pipeline serving regional reservoirs, the Gombe State Government has rallied traditional and community leaders to address this pressing concern head-on.

At a gathering held in the ministry’s Conference Hall, Commissioner for Water, Environment, and Forestry Resources, Alh. Mohammed Sa’idu Fawu, underscored the pivotal role of traditional and community leaders in effectively disseminating the message to grassroots communities.

Alhaji Mohammed Fawu reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring accessible drinking water for Gombe residents. He highlighted the adverse effects of unauthorized tapping by individuals and industries on the main pipeline originating from the Dadin-Kowa treatment plant, impeding efforts to maintain a consistent water supply in the metropolis.

Encouraging community leaders to relay the message to their constituents, Fawu announced the immediate deployment of a task force by the ministry, with strict penalties for offenders until rectification is achieved.

Underlining the significance of community cooperation, the Commissioner urged residents to strictly adhere to established protocols for obtaining legitimate water connections, emphasizing the collective responsibility in addressing the issue.

In response, participants expressed satisfaction with the government’s initiatives and pledged full cooperation to complement efforts in ensuring potable drinking water.

In his remarks, Acting General Manager of Gombe State Water Board Corporation, Engr. Abubakar Sadiq Muhammad, extended gratitude to the community leaders for their support, urging them to maintain the momentum.

Notable figures in attendance included district heads, village heads, and ward heads from affected communities in Akko local government and Yamaltu Deba.

This engagement follows the recent inauguration of a task force committee mandated by the ministry to dismantle all illegal connections on the main water pipeline, reaffirming the government’s dedication to resolving the issue promptly.

By Abdul’aziz Ibrahim Hassan

In response to the mounting water scarcity crisis in Gombe Metropolis, the Gombe State Government has launched a dedicated task force committee aimed at dismantling all illegal connections plaguing the main water pipeline supplying the regional reservoirs.

Speaking at a press conference held at the ministry’s Conference Hall, the Commissioner for Water, Environment, and Forest Resources, Alhaji Mohammed Fawu, unveiled the government’s proactive measures against the rampant illegal tapping into the primary water pipeline transporting water from the Dadin-kowa treatment plant.

Alhaji Mohammed Fawu stressed that these illicit activities have significantly hindered the government’s efforts to ensure a consistent water supply, despite meticulously devised rationing schedules.

Expressing concern over allegations implicating both current and retired staff of the Gombe State Water Board in collusion with outsiders to facilitate illegal connections, Fawu issued a stern warning that any implicated serving staff would face disciplinary measures administered by the Civil Service, while retired personnel would face arrest and prosecution.

Highlighting the substantial financial investment, the Commissioner revealed that approximately 15 million Naira is allocated monthly towards water treatment.

Fawu emphasized 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 leniency shown towards offenders until rectification is achieved.

The Commissioner urged residents to adhere to established protocols for obtaining legitimate water connections, stressing the necessity of cooperation in resolving the crisis.

Furthermore, he addressed concerns regarding unpaid water bills, revealing plans for a metering exercise slated for inclusion in the 2024 work plan, involving the purchase and installation of 15,000 meters.

Recalling the initial construction of the Gombe Regional Water Supply Scheme to serve 250,000 people, now catering to over a million residents due to population growth, Fawu reiterated the ongoing efforts by the state government, in collaboration with the federal ministry for water resources, towards rehabilitation, expansion, and upgrade projects to meet the escalating demands.