By Olaitan Ibrahim
The Federal Government has commissioned the 5.7 billion naira Gashua water supply scheme in Yobe, as part of its efforts to expand access to safe and potable water in underserved communities across Nigeria.
Unveiled on Tuesday, by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, the project is expected to serve over one million residents of Gashua and neighbouring communities in Bade Local Government Area.
Speaking at the commissioning held at the Gashua Water Works in Filin Tanda, Utsev outlined the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at addressing longstanding water supply challenges in the region.
The minister in a statement noted that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises clean water access as a pillar of public health, economic growth, and poverty reduction.
According to the minister, the scheme features four solar-powered borehole-based water systems, including one within a university campus.
It also includes a modern water treatment facility, surface and elevated storage tanks, electro-mechanical installations, and an extensive transmission and distribution network.
Utsev urged inclusive stakeholder participation and emphasised the need for the state water board to ensure the infrastructure is sustainably managed for long-term community benefit.
He also acknowledged other ongoing federal government interventions in the state, including the Damaturu Lots A & B, Nguru, Fika/Gadaka, and Potiskum water supply projects.
Commending the federal government’s commitment, Yobe Governor, Mai Mala Buni, represented by Deputy Governor Idi Barde, expressed appreciation for the intervention.
He noted the significance of clean water in improving healthcare outcomes and fostering socio-economic development, especially in northern Yobe, where residents have grappled with chronic water scarcity.
He further referenced ongoing research into possible links between local water quality and a rise in kidney-related illnesses.
Former Senate President, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, who was also present, recalled that the project was initiated in response to recurring outbreaks of waterborne diseases in Gashua.
He lauded the Tinubu administration and the water resources and sanitation ministry for prioritising clean water access.
The ministry’s permanent secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, congratulated the Government and people of Yobe and encouraged community members to take ownership of the facility to ensure its protection and sustainability.
Also in attendance were directors from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, including Mr Mukaila Babarinde, Director of Water Supply and Support Services, who presented an overview of the project.
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of handover documents and the official commissioning of the water scheme.
The urgency of the project is underscored by a reported surge in kidney diseases among residents of Gashua and its environs.
An investigation by the National Water Resources Institute Kaduna is also underway to determine the causes of the high prevalence of kidney diseases in the area.