As the world marks International Water Day, the rural community of Bare Tangji in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State continues to grapple with a severe water crisis.
According to the Centre for Population and Environmental Development, “lack of access to clean and portable water is one of the pressing challenges facing the people of Bare Tangji community.”
The community relies on open concrete wells and partially functional hand pumps for water, which are not only inadequate but also pose serious health risks due to contamination.
“The lack of water for livestock—cattle, small ruminants, and poultry—further threatens the livelihood and food security of the agro-pastoralist community,” said CPED.
Residents, including women and children, are forced to travel long distances to ponds and earth dams in neighboring communities to fetch water for domestic use and their animals.
“This practice comes with severe risks, including exposure of women and girls to gender-based violence and exploitation while travelling through isolated areas,” CPED warned.
The organisation called on the government of Gombe State, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, and other relevant policymakers to urgently intervene by constructing solar-powered boreholes, establishing water reticulation schemes, and developing policies to enhance access to potable water in rural communities.
“Water is a fundamental human right, and the people of Bare Tangji should not continue to suffer due to lack of access to this essential resource,” CPED emphasised.
Providing sustainable water supply in Bare Tangji community CPED and residents say will not only improve health and sanitation but also enhance livelihoods, education, and security for women, girls, and the entire community.
“We urge the government and all stakeholders to take swift action in addressing this urgent need,” a concerned resident who pleaded for anonymity added.
Reacting, Information Officer Ministry of Water Environment and Forest Resources Amos Fabulous noted that government will continue to prioritise potable drinking water.
He said, “As you are aware Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency which is saddled with water supply in rural areas has been up and doing with drilling boreholes in communities where it’s needed.
“Last year under Ibslieps project about three boreholes were sunk in Billiri Local Government Area, government will hand over project sites to contractor for a multipurpose earth dam. In other words, government is taking the necessary steps in providing clean drinking water to it’s citizens and will continue to do more.”
