NEWS;STATE GOVERNMENT COMMEMORATES WORLD WATER DAY, ADVOCATES FOR INCREASE AWARENESS ON MANAGEMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND UTILIZATION OF WATER RESOURCES.

By Umar Abdullahi

Hon. Hassan Kaigama, Commissioner, Adamawa State Ministry of Water Resources calls on all stakeholders of water sector to embark on massive campaigns on the Management,  Development and Utilization of water resources, he also advocates for vigorous campaign on personal hygiene. The commissioner made this call on Monday, 23^rd March, 2020 at City Green Hotel, Yola during a one day workshop on  “Water and Climate Change” organized by Adamawa State Ministry of Water Resources in collaboration with the European Union, EU to commemorate World Water Day 2020.

Kaigama revealed that, the proposed water legislation together with line Ministries and Federal Agencies will ensure  that the state’s water resources are sustained for current and future generations. The Commissioner further explained that, Adamawa State Government with the support of  EU  Water Supply and Sanitation Programme, WASSSRP III is constructing and rehabilitating Water Supply Facilities in Fufore and Mubi South LGAs of Adamawa State to enhance access to portable water and improved sanitation services.  

“ The state government is using its own resources to rehabilitate water facilities throughout the state to increase access to portable water, it is my hope that this workshop will come out with action plan that can tackle issues of  climate change, mismanagement and poor utilization of water resources”  Kaigama  added. 

Recall that, Adamawa State Project Coordinating Unit (PCU) of  Multi-Sectorial Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) an initiative of NEDC is also currently implementing Water Sanitation and Hygiene Projects tagged ‘WASH Sector Projects” in collaboration with the state ministry of water resources and the implementing MDAs in Gombi, Hong, Maiha, Mubi North, Mubi South, Michika and Madagalo LGA of the state.

These projects includes:-

a.     Construction of 295 no of  Hand Pump Boreholes across the 7 mentioned LGAs. These projects  are 100% completed and in use by the communities.

b.     Construction of 37 no. of Solar Powered Boreholes in 37 health centres across the 7 mentioned LGAs, these projects  are 100% completed and in use by the  benefiting health care centers.  

c.      Construction of 13 no of Solar powered boreholes in boarding schools across the 7 mentioned LGAs,  these projects  are 100% completed and in use by the  benefiting school communities.   

The North east Development  Commission, NEDC in collaboration with Adamawa state government  has also recently launched rehabilitation of   drinking water and sanitation facilities in eight cities in Adamawa State. These are Garkida, Gombi, Hong, Pella, Uba, Maiha, Michika, and Gulak. Each of these cities has a drinking water supply system. The project is ongoing and is at 40% work done. Other projects are also undertaken alongside by the state government and in collaboration with development partners like EU, World Bank etc.

Solicitor General & Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Justice, Barr. Samuel Yaumande, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Water Resources,  Alh. Ahijo Mohammed, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources Mr. Michael Medugu, representatives of Water Consumers Association, officials of WSSSRP III, Directors from the Ministry of Water Resources are among others that attended the workshop.