The Federal Government has officially commissioned the Gashua Water Supply Scheme in Yobe State, a N5.7 billion infrastructure project aimed at delivering clean and safe water to more than one million residents across Gashua and nearby communities within the Bade Local Government Area.
The inauguration took place on Tuesday at the Gashua Water Works in Filin Tanda, led by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the minister emphasised that the scheme forms part of the administration’s broader strategy to enhance public health, stimulate economic development, and alleviate poverty by improving access to potable water across underserved areas.
Professor Utsev described the water scheme as a significant intervention designed to resolve the region’s long-standing water supply challenges, which have historically contributed to recurring outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
“The Federal Government has commissioned the N5.7 billion Gashua water supply scheme in Yobe, as part of its efforts to expand access to safe and potable water in underserved communities across Nigeria.
“Unveiled on Tuesday, by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, the project is expected to serve over one million residents of Gashua and neighbouring communities in Bade Local Government Area,” the NAN report read in part.
The facility comprises four solar-powered borehole systems—one of which is located within a university campus—a modern water treatment plant, both surface and elevated storage tanks, electro-mechanical installations, and an extensive network for transmission and distribution. These components together are expected to significantly enhance the reliability and reach of clean water services in the region.
The minister called on relevant stakeholders, particularly the Yobe State Water Board, to ensure proper maintenance of the infrastructure and involve local communities in its ongoing operation to promote long-term sustainability. He further noted that the scheme is one of several federal water projects currently in progress across the state, including in Damaturu, Nguru, Fika/Gadaka, and Potiskum.
Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by his deputy, Idi Barde, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the intervention, underlining the critical role the project will play in addressing chronic water shortages and improving health outcomes in northern Yobe. He also acknowledged ongoing investigations into a potential connection between water quality and the rising incidence of kidney-related illnesses in the area.
Also in attendance was former Senate President Ahmed Lawan, who commended the Tinubu-led government for prioritising clean water access and highlighted that the scheme was initiated in direct response to public health concerns linked to frequent waterborne disease outbreaks.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, urged local residents to safeguard the facility, while the Director of Water Supply and Support Services, Mr Mukaila Babarinde, provided a detailed technical briefing on the project’s scope and design.
The event concluded with a formal handover of the infrastructure, with officials reiterating the urgency of the initiative in light of a spike in kidney disease cases in Gashua. The National Water Resources Institute in Kaduna is currently conducting investigations to determine whether environmental factors may be contributing to the health crisis.