The Nigerian Navy has provided solar-powered water facilities to residents of Jekadafari Ward in the Gombe Local Government Area of Gombe State in an effort to improve access to potable water.
The intervention, implemented under the Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Special Quick Impact Project of the Chief of Naval Staff, is also expected to strengthen relations between the Navy and the communities it serves.
The project was facilitated by retired Rear Admiral Shehu Usman Gombe, an indigene of the area.
The Navy said the intervention followed an assessment which identified the need for reliable water supply in Gadan Mai Alewa, Layin Almajirai and Layin Kasuwa streets within the ward.
The facilities include solar-powered boreholes, a 10,000-litre overhead storage tank, perimeter fencing, security infrastructure and street lighting.
Commissioning the project on behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Director of Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation, Rear Admiral Yakubu Dahiru, said the initiative demonstrated the Navy’s commitment to supporting communities and contributing to national development.
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He said the Special Quick Impact Project, introduced in 2024, was designed to deliver practical interventions in host communities while promoting stronger civil-military relations.
Rear Admiral Usman (Rtd.) said he had initially planned to provide 12 solar-powered water projects, each with a 10,000-litre capacity, in the Jekadafari area.
He, however, explained that a miscommunication in his request to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for approval affected the implementation of the initial plan.
Representing the governor, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Shehu Yerima, said the Gombe State Government welcomed the intervention and remained supportive of development initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of residents.
Mr Yerima said access to potable water remained important to community development, adding that the turnout of government officials, traditional leaders and residents reflected the significance attached to the project.
He commended the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders for supporting the intervention and expressed hope that additional water projects would be provided in the area.
Residents and other beneficiaries welcomed the facilities, describing the provision of a reliable water source as a significant relief to the community.
The Gombe Emirate also commended the initiative, while stakeholders said the street lighting component would contribute to improved security around the area.
The representative of the construction company, See Prudent Consult, Mr Mustapha Umar, said the project comprised three units with a combined storage capacity of 30,000 litres.
He said each borehole was drilled to approximately 80 metres, with 10-bar casing installed to ensure the durability of the facilities.
The project is expected to improve access to potable water and enhance the living conditions of residents, while contributing to stronger ties between the Nigerian Navy and the Jekadafari community.
