By Yakubu Jekadafari
The National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has intensified efforts to improve infrastructure and living conditions in communities across its member states, with a focus on sustainable solutions.
The commission’s initiatives include the provision of solar-powered boreholes, installation of solar streetlights to enhance security, and construction and renovation of schools and health facilities.
As part of this mandate, the Director of Operations, Engr. Iliyasu Abdullahi Wara, led a delegation to Dukku Local Government Area in Gombe State to inspect and assess the town’s water supply system.
The visit followed concerns raised by the Emir of Dukku over acute water scarcity in the area.
Engr. Abdullahi Wara explained that the inspection was aimed at evaluating the feasibility of rehabilitating and expanding the existing water facility.
Preliminary findings indicate that the project is viable for immediate intervention and will be submitted to the Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC for prompt action.
He stressed the need for a sustainable solution, noting that previous efforts by the state and local governments were largely temporary.
Gombe State Commissioner for Water, Environment, and Forest Resources, Mohammed Saidu Fawu, said the Dukku water scheme remains a priority project for the state but has faced delays due to funding constraints.
He highlighted ongoing efforts on six major water projects, including the Malam Inna and Agro-Livestock water schemes, and the upgrade of the Dadinkowa treatment plant to a hybrid solar-powered system.
The Commissioner welcomed N-HYPPADEC’s intervention, emphasizing that collaboration is crucial to meet Dukku’s growing water demand. He noted that the current storage capacity of about 500,000 litres is insufficient and that residents currently rely heavily on expensive borehole water and vendors transporting water from long distances.
As an immediate relief measure, N-HYPPADEC has committed to constructing two hybrid solar-powered boreholes, while plans for broader, long-term interventions are in progress.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Dukku Local Government Chairman, Adamu Waziri, and the Emir of Dukku, Haruna Rashid, expressed gratitude to both the state government and N-HYPPADEC and pledged full support for the successful implementation of the project.
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