Gombe launches major desilting initiative to combat flooding
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has initiated a major desilting operation of storm drains within Gombe metropolis.
The project, launched on Wednesday at the Unguwa Uku community, aims to prevent flooding, protect infrastructure, and curb disease outbreaks as the rainy season progresses.
At the flag-off ceremony, Governor Yahaya emphasized the importance of the initiative for safeguarding lives and property.
“Gombe metropolis and other parts of the state have previously suffered from devastating floods. Today, we officially begin clearing major water channels to ensure free water flow, protect the environment, and prevent disease outbreaks in our communities,” he stated.
Governor Yahaya attributed the main cause of flooding in Gombe to improper waste disposal in storm drains, a practice he insists must stop to preserve the environment. Despite efforts to educate communities about the dangers of improper waste disposal, challenges persist, prompting the administration to clear water channels at the start of each rainy season.
Since taking office in 2019, Yahaya’s administration has focused on combating erosion, deforestation, and desertification through extensive tree planting and gully erosion control projects.
The state has also collaborated with partners like the defunct NEWMAP and ACReSAL to make significant progress in environmental conservation.
“In this year alone, we have made significant strides, including erosion control projects, tree planting campaigns, and financial support to boost climate resilience through the community revolving fund,” Yahaya highlighted.
The de-silting exercise will be supported by the construction of 21 new waste collection centers under the ACReSAL Project, adding to the 90 centers built by GOSEPA under the SURWASH project.
Governor Yahaya also laid the foundation for new waste collection centers in Gombe metropolis, stressing the Gombe State Environmental Protection Agency’s (GOSEPA) role in daily waste evacuation to maintain cleanliness.
He urged citizens to refrain from dumping waste in storm drains and learn from flood disasters in other parts of the country.
The Commissioner of Water, Environment and Forest Resources, Mohammed Sa’idu Fawu, announced plans to de-silt 23 kilometers of drains in this phase, with additional work planned in collaboration with the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) to de-silt another 60 kilometers. He affirmed the administration’s dedication to environmental conservation and public health.
Community leaders, including the Shetiman Gombe and Acting Senior District Head of Gombe, praised the governor’s initiative, noting its life-saving impact in underprivileged areas. Traditional rulers pledged their support for the project, emphasizing their commitment to its success.
Dr. Sani Adamu Jauro, the Gombe State Project Coordinator for ACReSAL, revealed plans to rehabilitate the mega dump site along Bajoga road to create youth employment opportunities and facilitate waste recycling and reuse.
The event featured the symbolic foundation laying for the new waste collection centers and the commencement of the desilting exercise, with additional remarks from officials including the Commissioner of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Dr. Barnabas Malle, and GOSEPA Executive Secretary, Dr. Auwalu Baba Jada.
