From Rabilu Abubakar, Gombe
Gombe State government has unveiled fresh measures to tackle the persistent water shortage, announcing plans to partner the Tunisian Company for African Development, TUCAD, on integrated water and power solutions, including a proposed 100-megawatt independent power plant.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Forestry, Muhammad Fawu, disclosed this during a joint press briefing with officials of the Tunisian consortium in Gombe.
Fawu said the state government is implementing short-medium-and long-term strategies to address the increasing water demand driven by rapid population growth and urban expansion.
He explained that although key dams and water treatment plants are fully operational, erratic electricity supply remains a major bottleneck to effective pumping and distribution of water to households.
“Our infrastructure is in place, but stable power supply is critical in ensuring consistent water delivery. Without electricity, production and distribution are severely constrained,” he said.
The TUCAD delegation, led by its Nigerian representative, Ahmed Gombe, said the consortium was invited by Governor Inuwa Yahaya to assess the state’s water infrastructure and propose sustainable and technology-driven solutions.
Gara noted that the company has expertise in water and energy systems, including innovative technology capable of generating water from atmospheric moisture.
He revealed that plans are underway to establish a 100MW independent power plant to stabilise electricity supply for water facilities and other critical infrastructure across the state.
“With reliable power, the existing dams and treatment plants can function optimally. Our goal is to provide sustainable solutions that will guarantee steady water supply for residents,” he said.
In his remarks, the Vice President, TUCAD, Issa Ibn Yousoof, reaffirmed the consortium’s commitment to foster partnership in water resources management, infrastructural development and sustainable growth across Africa.
He emphasised the importance of technology transfer and bridging energy and equipment gaps to ensure long-term benefits for host communities.
Earlier, the delegation toured major facilities, including the Dadin Kowa Dam, as well as water treatment plants and distribution networks in Tabra, Upper Zone and the Lower Zone.
The team identified technical and power-related challenges affecting service delivery, but expressed optimism that improved electricity supply and modern technological deployment would enable Gombe State overcome its water distribution constraints and meet the needs of its growing population.
