Gombe State Governor, Mahammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has flagged-off the desilting of major storm drains within the Gombe metropolis to avert flooding and ensure the protection of lives, infrastructure and the prevention of the outbreak of diseases in the communities.
At the flag-off of the clearing exercise which held on Wednesday at Unguwa Uku community, Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the initiative as crucial to protecting and safeguarding the lives and property of the citizens especially as the rainy season fully sets in.
“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. Today, we officially declare the commencement of clearing of major water channels so as to ensure the free flow of water, safeguard the environment and prevent the outbreak of diseases within our communities”.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya further observed that the main cause of flooding, especially within Gombe metropolis, was the inordinate disposal of waste in major storm drains, a practice he said, must be halted to conserve the environment for the wellbeing of the people.
He added that despite consistent efforts through relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to enlighten and sensitize communities on the dangers of improper waste disposal, the state continues to face significant challenges hence it has become a policy of the present administration to clear all water channels at the beginning of every rainy season.
Governor Inuwa also explained that since 2019, his administration has been steadfast in its commitment to preventing erosion, deforestation, and desertification through extensive tree planting and the tackling of gully erosion sites across the state.
He said his administration has worked diligently to safeguard the livelihoods of the people through sustained collaborative efforts with partners like the defunct NEWMAP and ACReSAL which have allowed the state to make significant progress in environmental conservation and sustainability.
“In this year alone, we have made significant strides in our environmental conservation efforts, including erosion control projects, tree planting campaigns, as well as provision of financial support to boost climate resilience through the community revolving fund”, he said.
“Today, we continue on this commitment to environmental conservation with the de-silting exercise, complemented by the construction of 21 waste collection centers under the ACReSAL Project, in addition to the 90 earlier built by GOSEPA under the SURWASH project”, the Governor said.
In a related development, Governor Inuwa Yahaya laid foundation for the construction of waste collection centres across Gombe metropolis to ensure a more cleaner and healthier environment.
During the excercise, the Governor stressed that in line with his administration’s environmental policy, the Gombe State Environmental Protection Agency (GOSEPA) will ensure the daily evacuation of household waste from these centres, thereby maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment.
He appealed to individuals and communities to desist from dumping solid municipal waste in the storm drainage system, stressing that citizens must learn from the flood disasters being witnessed in other parts of the country and take proactive steps to avoid similar occurrences here in Gombe.
The Governor used the occasion to reiterate his administration’s continued commitment to environmental sustainability and the overall wellbeing of the people, maintaining that with the support of the people, a safer, prosperous and environmentally sustainable Gombe state is possible.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Water, Environment and Forest Resources, and Chairman of the State Steering Committee for ACReSAL, Mohammed Sa’idu Fawu, explained that the government plans to de-silt 23 kilometers of major drains in this phase of the excercise, adding that the state in collaboration with the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), will through the ACReSAL project, de-silt additional 60 kilometers length storm drains as part of deliberate measures taken to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall and other climatic challenges such as flooding on the people and the environment.
He added that with the continued de-silting of storm drains, halting erecting structures on water ways and the construction of watse collection centres across the state, the Inuwa Yahaya led administration has proven its pledge to conserving the environment, ensuring hygiene is maintained in order to save lives and reduce toll of diseases among communities.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the Shetiman Gombe and Acting Senior District Head of Gombe, applauded the governor’s initiative, emphasizing how it previously saved lives and property, especially in underprivileged areas.
He further commended the unprecedented gully control projects undertaken by the Inuwa-led administration, pledging that the traditional rulers will continue to offer full support to the exercise while assuring the Governor that they will lead the community towards ensuring the success of the initiative.
Delivering his remarks, the Gombe State Project Coordinator for ACReSAL, Dr. Sani Adamu Jauro, disclosed the state government plans to rehabilitate the existing mega dump site along Bajoga road through the ACReSAL Project, saying “this project aims to create employment opportunities for youth and provide a space for waste separation for recycling and reuse”.
Additional remarks were delivered by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Dr. Barnabas Malle and the Executive Secretary of GOSEPA, Dr. Auwalu Baba Jada among others.
Highlights of the event was the symbolic foundation laying for the construction of a waste collection centres and the kick-off of the desilting exercise.
Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General
( Press Affairs)
Government House
