Lack of Funds Threatens Gombe Water Project

The Gombe Water Project is currently being stalled by lack of funds. This is based on a statement by the Manager of Gombe State Water Board, Isa Muhammad, who revealed in a report by The Guardian that prolonged maintenance at the treatment plant has put the state capital in an acute water scarcity. 

Muhammed said the Board would soon establish a task force that would begin massive revenue drive, especially from defaulters of water rates.

He stated that economic recession has made it mandatory for the Water Board to really sit up and look inward if not, a time would come when people would be forced to get water through a very expensive source.

He regretted that year, only a paltry sum of N6 million was realised from the payment of water rates, adding that people were used to the habit of not paying for the consumption of water.

Subsequently, he revealed that a task force, which would soon begin work, would engage in massive registration of illegal consumers as well as ensure that defaulters of water rates are made to pay for the water they consume.

He noted that unlike in the past when provision of water had been a political issue, the Board has to face reality, if it has to discharge its functions efficiently. The water project, which was initially designed to provide water for about 300, 000 residents in the State capital and its environs 10 years ago, has been overstretched to provide water for about 700,000 residents.

Muhammed however, blamed the influx of people from neighbouring states that were affected by activities of insurgents on the increase in demand for water in the state.

Meanwhile, Gombe State Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Austin Iwar has launched a tree planting campaign and advised officers residing in the barracks to sustain the initiative.

Source: The Guardian