By Peter Uwumarogie
The 7y Gombe state government has expended over N9 billion on water supply services in the last six years.
Mr Mohammed Fawu, Commissioner for Water, Environment and Forest Resources, said this at the end of the 49th State Executive Council (SEC) meeting, on Monday in Gombe.
He said the administration of Gov. Inuwa Yahaya had made a lot of investments to tacklie water scarcity in spite of poor returns on such investments.
Fawu said more communities had been connected to water supply, lamenting that most of the consumers failed to settle their bills after enjoying the services.
The trend, he said, posed a major challenge to the sustainability of water supply in the state.
“In an efforts to address water shortage in the state, Gov. Yahaya has constituted a committee under the leadership of his deputy, Manassah Jatau to look into the production of water, its supply and revenue generation.
“Since the inception of this administration in 2019 till date, more than N9 billion has been spent on payment for production and distribution of water supply to residents.
“However, only about N146 million has been realised as revenue which is not reasonable,” he said.
Fawu said the committee would look on how to improve water supply and boost revenue to ensure steady water supply.
He said that water rates would be reviewed to meet the present day reality, stressing that it was no longer sustainable to use water rates fixed over 15 years ago.
According to Fawu, the committee will also recommend technological approaches to enhance revenue collection and regular water supply.
The commissioner urged consumers to pay their water bills to support governments’ effort towards boosting water supply and ensure sustainability.
Mr Nasiru Aliyu, Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Tourism, said the council also approved N1.068 billion for the continuation of installation of solar street lights in Gombe metropolis.
Aliyu said the project would be completed in eight weeks, adding that when completed it would enhance security and boost businesses in the metropolis.
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