Gombe State Faces Scrutiny as Residents Suffer Water Scarcity Despite N138 Billion Budget Allocations

Despite allocating an estimated N133 billion to N138 billion towards water supply and infrastructure projects between 2019 and 2026, the Gombe State Government faces growing criticism as residents across the state continue to experience persistent water shortages.

A financial analysis of the state’s budget figures under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya highlights significant expenditure across recurrent maintenance, regional water expansion, and rural borehole initiatives. Notably, capital allocations between 2020 and 2025 accounted for up to N40 billion, with an additional N88.4 billion earmarked in the 2026 budget for regional water and environmental projects.

A major centerpiece of this investment includes the N11.49 billion contract awarded in 2022 for the rehabilitation and expansion of the Gombe Regional Water Supply Scheme (GRWSS). The project—which encompasses laying 160 kilometers of distribution pipes, constructing booster pump stations, and installing smart metering systems—is reported to be over 90 percent complete.

However, the contrast between multi-billion-naira budget allocations and the reality on the ground has raised concerns among civil society and local communities. Many households remain reliant on private water vendors, wells, and commercial boreholes, incurring extra financial strain.

Community members and advocacy groups are urging the state government to ensure greater transparency regarding completed infrastructure, demanding an account of how these large-scale investments will translate into reliable running water for residents.