Water scarcity
Chima Azubuike
Following acute water scarcity in Gombe State, the State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya has issued a directive to the Ministry of Water, Environment and Forest Resources and other relevant bodies to speed up the action and restore normalcy for water production and distribution.
In a press statement signed on Tuesday by the Director Press, Ismaila Misilli, the governor’s order was geared towards his deep concern for the basic needs and necessities of the people, stressing that his administration is committed to ensuring continuous and uninterrupted water supply to the people.
The statement partly read, “You must fix this problem with immediate effect, I don’t want any delay. We are not ready to take any excuse. You must ensure the production and pumping of water to the people latest by Wednesday.”
Yahaya also expressed concern over the hardships residents of Gombe are facing due to an interruption in power supply caused by vandalism of some poles on the 330KV Jos-Gombe transmission line.
“Acting on the directive, the ministry mobilised its technical teams who are currently working tirelessly to replace the broken down electric poles and repair the power cables to ensure power supply to the water treatment plant at Dadinkowa.
“The Dadinkowa Water Supply Scheme produces approximately 35 million litres of water per day, costing the Gombe State Government N154 million monthly. The treatment plant relies solely on a dedicated power line by Jos Electricity Distribution Company Plc for uninterrupted operation.
“Following combined efforts of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), JED and regional teams from Gombe and Bauchi, the powerline was partially restored sub-optimally with Gombe receiving only 5MW out of which the Tabra pump station receives 0.5MW for pumping water to upper and lower zones for subsequent distribution to communities and households within Gombe metropolis.
“However, following a strong, damaging windstorm on 25th April, 2024, up to 31 electric poles along the Dadinkowa dedicated powerline were damaged which consequentially halted the production, pumping and distribution of water from the treatment plant.
“The technical teams are expected to complete the restoration work on Tuesday 30th April 2024 after which production, pumping and distribution are expected to resume immediately by Wednesday, May 1, 2024, with a resultant adequate supply of water to the people of Gombe metropolis and its environs.”
According to the statement, the state government appreciates the people’s patience understanding and perseverance in the hardship being faced regarding acute water scarcity.
“The government also commends the confidence the public has in the government and the firm believes in efforts to resolve the situation without further delay,” the statement added.
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