As the world marks World Water Day, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has restated his administration’s commitment to ensuring sustainable access to clean and safe drinking water for all residents of the state.
World Water Day, observed annually on March 22, aims to raise awareness of the global water crisis and promote efforts toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6): water and sanitation for all by 2030.
In a statement commemorating the day, Governor Yahaya emphasized the critical role of water in public health, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. He highlighted his administration’s significant investments in water infrastructure and resource management since assuming office in 2019.
The governor reaffirmed his government’s collaboration with key stakeholders to expand potable water access, improve climate-resilient infrastructure, and strengthen policies that ensure a water-secure future for Gombe State.
“As a government, we recognize that clean water is a fundamental right that directly affects health, agriculture, and livelihoods. That is why we have prioritized expanding water supply systems, strengthening institutional frameworks, and implementing sustainable water management practices across Gombe State,” he said.
To address the state’s growing water demand, Governor Yahaya highlighted the expansion and upgrade of the Gombe Regional Water Supply Scheme, aimed at improving water distribution to underserved communities in and around the metropolis.
Furthermore, he noted that his administration has intensified efforts to provide water access to rural areas through the construction of solar-powered boreholes to meet the urgent needs of remote communities.
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Governor Yahaya outlined several strategic initiatives undertaken to boost water supply and sanitation, including, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) ,Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme, and Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) and Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Projects.
These initiatives, the governor noted, have led to the construction of hundreds of boreholes, significantly reducing water scarcity in vulnerable communities.
Additionally, the administration, as announced by him, has ensured that all upgraded healthcare facilities are equipped with solar-powered water sources, reinforcing the government’s commitment to public health and hygiene.
Governor Yahaya emphasized that these efforts align with his administration’s Development Agenda for Gombe State (DEVAGOM) and contribute directly to SDG 6, which advocates for universal access to clean water and sanitation.
“As we mark World Water Day, I urge all stakeholders to work together in protecting our water resources, preventing pollution, and promoting sustainable water management. Together, we can secure clean and accessible water for present and future generations,” the governor concluded.
