By Abdullahi Lukman
Gombe State has announced new measures to address persistent water shortages, including a partnership with the Tunisian Company for African Development (TUCAD) to implement integrated water and power solutions and a proposed 100-megawatt independent power plant.
The initiative was disclosed by Muhammad Fawu, Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Forestry, during a joint briefing with TUCAD officials in Gombe.
Fawu said the state is pursuing short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to meet rising water demand driven by population growth and urban expansion.
He highlighted that while key dams and water treatment plants are operational, inconsistent electricity supply limits water pumping and distribution.
“Our infrastructure is in place, but stable power supply is critical in ensuring consistent water delivery.
Without electricity, production and distribution are severely constrained,” Fawu said.
TUCAD, led by its Nigerian representative Ahmed Gombe, was invited by Governor Inuwa Yahaya to assess the state’s water infrastructure and propose sustainable, technology-driven solutions.
The consortium plans to deploy innovations, including atmospheric water generation, alongside the proposed 100MW power plant to stabilize electricity for water facilities and other critical infrastructure.
Issa Ibn Yousoof, TUCAD’s Vice President, reaffirmed the consortium’s commitment to sustainable growth, technology transfer, and bridging energy and equipment gaps to benefit host communities in the long term.
During their visit, the delegation toured major facilities, including the Dadin Kowa Dam, water treatment plants, and distribution networks in Tabra, Upper Zone, and Lower Zone.
They identified technical and power-related challenges but expressed confidence that improved electricity supply and modern technology could resolve water distribution constraints and meet the needs of Gombe’s growing population.
