Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has revealed that the state government spends ₦150 million monthly on maintaining cleanliness across the state. This announcement was made during the inauguration of the 2024 desilt exercise of major storm drains in the Gombe metropolis, highlighting the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public well-being.
Governor Yahaya emphasized the importance of community support in maintaining a clean environment, urging residents to utilize the newly constructed waste collection centers. He pointed out that indiscriminate waste dumping in drains significantly contributes to flooding and other environmental challenges, thus collective responsibility is crucial to ensuring waste does not end up in these drains.
The governor underscored the severe impact of flooding on lives and property, making it essential to clear major water channels to ensure the free flow of water. He stated that this initiative is critical for preventing floods and protecting human lives, property, and infrastructure, as well as preventing disease outbreaks in communities.
Despite ongoing efforts by the government to educate communities on proper waste disposal, challenges persist. Consequently, the administration has made it a policy to clear all water channels at the start of every rainy season.
Governor Yahaya reiterated the state’s commitment to environmental conservation through effective waste management and extensive tree planting. The government plans to construct 21 additional waste collection centers under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, in partnership with the World Bank. Additionally, the state Environmental Protection Agency (GOSEPA) will ensure the daily evacuation of waste from these collection centers to maintain a cleaner and healthier environment.