The Gombe State Executive Council has approved over N78 billion for key projects, including water schemes and road construction across the state.

The state Commissioner for Water, Environment and Forest Resources, Muhammad Fawu, disclosed this on Friday after the 52nd council meeting chaired by Governor Inuwa Yahaya.

Mr Fawu said council approved three contracts for the rehabilitation, upgrade and construction of water schemes and energy supply to power treatment plants.

He said the projects would tackle water supply challenges affecting Gombe metropolis and surrounding communities.

He stated, “The rehabilitation of water supply schemes and associated works for the metropolis, Mallam Inna and the livestock zone is awarded for N24 billion.

“Mallam Inna was once the main water source before the Dadin Kowa treatment plant was built about 30 years ago.

“If revived, pressure on Dadin Kowa will reduce and water supply to the metropolis and environs will improve.”

He said the upgrade of equipment and provision of a dedicated power line to Dadin Kowa and Tumfure stations was awarded for N7 billion.

“The main challenge with Gombe water supply is energy. Government has awarded a contract to supply power from the Industrial Park at lower cost,” he stated.

Mr Fawu said a third contract covered construction of a solar power plant at Dadin Kowa and Tabra booster station at N23.3 billion.

He said, “We are adopting hybrid energy supply. This will ensure uninterrupted water supply to residents of the metropolis.”

He added that the projects would guarantee stable water supply upon completion.

Mr Fawu urged residents to pay water bills, noting that meters would be installed once supply stabilises.

The Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Muhammad Magaji, said N18.9 billion was approved for roads and drainage in Yamaltu Deba.

Mr Magaji said the projects include 19.96 kilometres of road and a 1.5 kilometre water drain in affected communities.

He added that N1.5 billion was approved for the Northern Regional Security Trust Fund and a permanent secretariat for the Northern States Governors’ Forum.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Abubakar Njodi, said N5 billion was approved for street naming, signage and house numbering statewide.

(NAN)