WorldStage Newsonline– The Federal Government of Nigeria has commissioned the Gashua Water Supply Scheme, a multi-billion-naira project aimed at addressing long-standing water challenges in Yobe State in a major step toward enhancing access to clean water.
The commissioning ceremony on Tuesday at the Gashua Water Works in Filin Tanda, Bade Local Government Area, was led by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, on behalf of the Federal Government.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Utsev described the project as a critical intervention designed to resolve persistent water supply issues in Gashua and its surrounding communities. Completed at a revised cost of ₦5,735,046,416.75, the scheme boasts a capacity of 3,200 million litres per day and is set to provide potable water to over one million residents.
The Minister emphasized that the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes access to safe water as essential to public health, economic growth, and poverty reduction.
Key features of the Gashua project include four solar-powered borehole systems—one situated within a university campus—a state-of-the-art water treatment facility, both surface and elevated water storage tanks, electro-mechanical and power systems, as well as a comprehensive transmission and distribution network.
During the handover of the facility to the Yobe State Government, Prof. Utsev called for inclusive stakeholder involvement and urged the state to support the Yobe State Water Board in sustainably managing the infrastructure for long-term community benefit.
Noting other ongoing water supply initiatives in the state, including the Damaturu Lots A & B, Nguru, Fika/Gadaka, and Potiskum Water Supply Projects, he commended President Tinubu for approving funding for the project and expressed gratitude to Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, the Emir of Bade, contractors, and Ministry personnel for their contributions to the project’s successful delivery.
Representing the Governor at the event, Deputy Governor Hon. Idi Barde Gubana expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Government, highlighting water’s pivotal role in health and development.
He noted that water scarcity has been a significant challenge in Northern Yobe and referenced ongoing investigations into possible links between water quality and kidney-related health issues in the region.
Former Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan, also spoke at the event, noting that the Gashua Water Supply Scheme was conceived in response to repeated outbreaks of waterborne diseases in the area. He praised the current administration and the Ministry for prioritizing clean water access for Nigerians.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, congratulated the government and people of Yobe State, urging the local community to take ownership of the facility to safeguard its longevity and effectiveness.
The ceremony concluded with the signing of the official handover documents and the formal commissioning of the facility by the Minister, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for universal access to safe and clean water.
