Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has directed ministries, departments, and agencies to conduct on-site assessments of damaged infrastructure and expedite swift repair actions after recent floods and heavy rains damaged infrastructure in the Gombe metropolis.
The aim is to protect both public and private property while ensuring public safety and convenience.
Acting on the governor’s directive, the commissioner for works and transport, through the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mr Danladi Adamu, led a team on an assessment tour of affected areas.
The team inspected nine locations where public infrastructure has been severely impacted by heavy rainfall in Gombe and its environs.
Speaking during the visit, the permanent secretary explained that the inspection aligns with the governor’s long-standing directive to provide immediate assessments and responses to such incidents.
“As a leader deeply committed to the welfare of his people, His Excellency ordered an urgent evaluation of the washouts. We have so far inspected nine sites and carried out on-the-spot assessments. Recommendations will be submitted to prioritise urgent interventions while also proposing long-term solutions to prevent recurrence,” said Mr Adamu.
He gave residents the assurances that the government was committed to tackling the situation to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure the continued convenience and safety of the public.
Mr Adamu also appealed to local communities to take greater responsibility for maintaining public infrastructure, particularly roads and drainage systems, by refraining from indiscriminate dumping of waste or building on watercourses.
During the inspection, the team visited several sites, including the cut-off road at Orji Quarters near Yahuza Suya spot, Shehu Abubakar District, the ongoing construction near the High Court, Gadan Dahiru Deba in Pantami, Jekadafari, near Gambo Isari’s residence, Madaki, Kundulu, Tumfure, and other erosion-prone areas.
Technical Challenges
A representative of Triacta Nigeria Ltd, Mr Imran Khan, highlighted the technical challenges posed by untraceable waterways and the increased water volume due to urban development and encroachment.
Mr Khan gave the government the assurances that the company would work in close collaboration with relevant agencies, such as GOSUPDA, to re-establish natural water channels and implement effective control measures.
Residents, such as Mr Sam Uso of Orji Quarters, whose home was affected by a collapsed bridge, commended the swift response by the government, praising efforts to restore access and protect livelihoods.
Officials noted that while some areas required immediate remedial work, others would be integrated into the broader ongoing gully erosion control initiative for a more sustainable solution.
The assessment team included representatives from the Ministries of Works, Housing and Transport; Water Resources; Forest and Environment; GOSUPDA; and Triacta Nigeria Ltd, among others.