By Ben Ngwakwe
The Gombe State Government has expressed concern over residents’ failure to pay water bills, despite sustained efforts to provide uninterrupted access to clean water.
The Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, Mohammed Fawu, disclosed on Monday in Gombe, shortly after the 49th State Executive Council meeting presided by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya.
Fawu noted that the state had invested over ₦9 billion from June 2019 to July 2025 to improve water supply infrastructure and ensure access to potable water across the state.
He said the substantial investment reflects the government’s recognition of water as a basic necessity and its commitment to improving public health and welfare.
However, he noted with dismay that many residents have continued to default in paying their water rent, which could undermine the sustainability of the service while ₦146 million was realised so far.
Fawu added, “Since inception of this administration from June 2019 to date about N9 billion has been spent with respect to production and distribution of water.
“However, sadly only about N146 million has been realised as revenue. I don’t think what was realised is reasonable.”
While disclosing that the state government has constituted a committee to be chaired by the Deputy Governor, Manassah Jatau, himself, Commissioners of Finance, Trade and Attorney General of the state to look into the shortage of water in the state capital and it’s environs as well payment, Fawu stated “the essence of the committee is to find out the modalities of collecting water rent and to improve the supply of water.”
He continued saying “This measure will ensure that the water rent is reduced because the state government doesn’t want to increase hardship to the people.”
