From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has announced plans for an intervention to address water scarcity in Dukku Local Government Area (LGA) of Gombe state.
The plan was unaviled during an on-the-ground assessment of the area’s longstanding water challenges. According to the commission, the plan is rehabilitate and expand the Dukku water supply scheme.
Director of Operations at N-HYPPADEC, Engr. Ilyasu Abdullahi Wara, disclosed this during an inspection visit to Dukku, where the team evaluated existing infrastructure and engaged key stakeholders, including the Emir of Dukku.
Wara described the situation as critical, noting that the acute water scarcity in the town requires urgent and sustainable solutions. He said the commission would prioritise upgrading existing facilities rather than constructing entirely new systems.
“Our assessment shows that the current reliance on point boreholes is not sustainable. We are exploring the possibility of sourcing raw water directly from nearby streams and developing a small-town water scheme around the intake and booster station,” he stated.
He added that plans are underway to expand the town’s reservoir capacity and improve overall water distribution, with a commitment to brief the Managing Director of the commission on the urgency of the intervention.
According to Wara, the timeline for execution is tight, with the commission targeting mobilisation to site within six weeks to avoid delays associated with the onset of the rainy season.
Gombe State Commissioner for Water, Environment and Forest Resources, Mohammed Saidu Fawu, described the intervention as timely and strategic, noting that it aligns with the state government’s broader water supply agenda.
He explained that despite ongoing efforts, including planned upgrades to the Dadinkowa treatment plant and new water schemes, Dukku continues to face severe shortages due to rapid population growth and inadequate infrastructure.
“The existing system can no longer meet current demand. Expanding storage capacity and improving water intake are critical to ensuring sustainable supply,” Fawu said.
He further revealed that N-HYPPADEC’s intervention is fully funded and includes the immediate construction of two hybrid boreholes to ease the burden on residents.
Chairman of Dukku Local Government Area, Adamu Muhammad Waziri, and the Emir of Dukku, Alhaji Haruna Abdulkadir Rashid, commended the commission’s swift response, expressing optimism that the intervention would bring lasting relief to the community, where residents currently depend heavily on costly water vendors.
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