In Gombe State, residents are facing a critical water shortage as temperatures soar to 40 degrees Celsius, exacerbating the challenges posed by intense heat waves.
The acute scarcity of water is most severe in communities such as Akko, Wuro Bogga, Garin Baraya, and several others, where access to clean water has become a pressing issue.
This crisis comes despite previous government initiatives aimed at improving water supply. In 2021, the federal government, via the Upper Benue River Basin Development Agency (UBRBDA), initiated a project to extend water pipelines in the Gombe North Senatorial District, a project that was abruptly abandoned without explanation. Similarly, the Dukku regional water supply, which consumed nearly N400 million, has failed to deliver results, leaving the community without the promised water supply.
Residents, burdened by the lack of access to water, are enduring significant hardships. The cost of purchasing water has become a financial strain for many families, and some individuals must undertake lengthy journeys to fetch water from distant, often contaminated sources. This situation is particularly dire during Ramadan, where the demand for clean water spikes.
Efforts to address the water scarcity have been met with challenges, including maintenance issues with the Gombe State water scheme, which has been reported to have broken down. Despite significant budget allocations for water in past years, the state capital and its surroundings continue to suffer from a lack of water.
Community representatives have voiced their struggles, highlighting the dire consequences of the water crisis on daily life and health. The government’s efforts, including the nearing completion of the Gombe Regional Water Supply Scheme Project, have been noted, yet residents point out the ongoing challenges in accessing clean water.
Criticism has been directed towards residents’ alleged non-payment of water bills, which authorities claim hampers maintenance and service delivery. However, the community argues for more effective management and infrastructure development to ensure sustainable water access.
As Gombe State confronts this escalating crisis, the need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the water scarcity becomes increasingly urgent, with calls for both government action and community cooperation to secure a water-secure future for all residents.
