Gombe State government on Wednesday approved N250 million for the implementation of the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) programme in the state.

Mijinyawa Yahaya, the state’s Commissioner for Water Resources, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Gombe, said the state has not been part of the programme before.

Mr. Yahaya stated that with the approval, the programme will now commence in four pilot Local Government Areas — Kwami, Dukku, Funakaye and Balanga.

The commissioner said effort by the state government is geared towards improving access to water supply and sanitation services in the state.

“This programme was initiated by the federal government in 2017; Gombe State is coming in at this point because Gombe state as at that time was not able to meet up with that commitment, including the release of funds. With this approval of N250million, the state has become part of the PEWASH programme,’’ he said.

Mr. Yahaya said since the state government has contributed this amount, it is expecting equal amount from the FG for the implementation of the programme.

He added that the state government will execute its own part while the federal government will send their contractors from Abuja to execute theirs.

Mr. Yahaya further restated government’s commitment to meeting water demand of residents of Gombe, adding that “this led to the release of N100 million for new pipelines in some communities at the inception of this administration.’’

PEWASH is a national collaboration for the improvement of access to water supply and sanitation in Nigeria, through a structured multi-sector partnership. 

(NAN)