Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, launched a major initiative on Wednesday to desilt storm drains across Gombe metropolis. The effort aims to prevent flooding, protect infrastructure, and curb disease outbreaks in local communities.
Speaking at the launch in Unguwa Uku community, Governor Yahaya emphasized the importance of the project for safeguarding lives and properties, especially as the rainy season begins in earnest.
“As you are aware, Gombe metropolis and other parts of the state have in the past experienced instances of flooding, leading to devastating losses of lives and property,” the Governor said. “Today, we officially declare the commencement of clearing major water channels to ensure the free flow of water, safeguard the environment, and prevent disease outbreaks within our communities.”
Governor Yahaya highlighted that improper waste disposal in storm drains is a primary cause of flooding in Gombe. He stressed the need to halt this practice to protect the environment and enhance community well-being. Despite ongoing efforts to educate the public on proper waste disposal, challenges persist, necessitating the administration’s policy of clearing water channels at the start of each rainy season.
Since taking office in 2019, Yahaya’s administration has focused on preventing erosion, deforestation, and desertification through extensive tree planting and tackling gully erosion sites. Collaborative efforts with partners like the defunct NEWMAP and ACReSAL have bolstered environmental conservation and sustainability in the state.
“This year alone, we have made significant strides in our environmental conservation efforts, including erosion control projects, tree planting campaigns, and providing financial support to boost climate resilience through the community revolving fund,” Yahaya stated.
The Governor also announced the construction of 21 new waste collection centers under the ACReSAL Project, adding to the 90 built by GOSEPA under the SURWASH project. He emphasized that the Gombe State Environmental Protection Agency (GOSEPA) will ensure daily waste evacuation from these centers to maintain a cleaner and healthier environment.
Yahaya urged citizens to stop dumping waste in storm drains, noting the severe flood disasters in other parts of the country as a cautionary tale. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the well-being of the people, advocating for a safer, more prosperous, and environmentally sustainable Gombe State.
Commissioner of Water, Environment, and Forest Resources, Mohammed Sa’idu Fawu, detailed the desilting plan, which covers 23 kilometers of major drains in this phase. Additionally, in collaboration with the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), the ACReSAL project will desilt another 60 kilometers of storm drains to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall and flooding.
Fawu highlighted the administration’s commitment to environmental conservation, hygiene, and public health through continuous desilting, halting construction on waterways, and building waste collection centers.
Community leader Shetiman Gombe, Acting Senior District Head of Gombe, praised the Governor’s initiative, noting its past successes in saving lives and property, especially in underprivileged areas. He assured the Governor of the community’s full support and commitment to the project’s success.
Gombe State Project Coordinator for ACReSAL, Dr. Sani Adamu Jauro, announced plans to rehabilitate the existing mega dump site along Bajoga Road through the ACReSAL Project. The initiative aims to create youth employment opportunities and facilitate waste separation for recycling and reuse.
Additional remarks were delivered by Commissioner of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Dr. Barnabas Malle, and GOSEPA Executive Secretary Dr. Auwalu Baba Jada, among others.
The event concluded with the symbolic foundation laying for new waste collection centers and the official kick-off of the desilting exercise, as reported by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe.
