By: Monday Munkaila, Gombe
The Gombe State Ministry of Water Resources has taken delivery of laptops procured to support the final phase of the development of the Gombe State Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Database under the Policy, Planning, Performance and Results (P-I-R-P), component of the NG-SURWASH Programme.
The laptops were presented on Tuesday, 1st September 2026, as part of the State Government’s efforts, in collaboration with the NG-SURWASH Programme, to strengthen data-driven planning, institutional capacity, performance monitoring and improve service delivery in the water and sanitation sector across the state.
The laptops, provided by the Consultants for the NG-SURWASH Policy and Institutional Reform Plan, Messrs Spherical GIS Nig. Ltd., represent an important step towards establishing a comprehensive and reliable WASH database for Gombe State.
The initiative was designed to strengthen the State’s capacity to generate, manage, analyse and utilise reliable WASH data for evidence-based planning and decision-making.
The database is expected to capture key information on WASH facilities across the state, down to the ward level, and serve as a critical tool for planning, transparency, monitoring, performance assessment and effective resource allocation.
It will also provide a reliable information base for identifying gaps in WASH service delivery and prioritising interventions in underserved communities.
As part of the event, a preview of the proposed database was presented, showcasing how the system will function upon completion. The presentation highlighted that the 11 Local Government Areas and relevant implementation agencies will each have dedicated dashboards through which they can view and monitor WASH facilities within their respective jurisdictions in real time.
Receiving the laptops on behalf of the Ministry, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Engr. Balah Adams, expressed appreciation to the NG-SURWASH Programme and the consultants for the support, describing the gesture as a significant boost to the Ministry’s capacity for data coordination, planning, performance monitoring and decision-making.
The Commissioner noted that “data is now life and forms part of how decisions are being made and how resources are allocated,” adding that having a functional WASH database in the state represents “an effective tool for planning and a visionary approach to better serve the needs of the people of Gombe.”
Engr. Balah further explained that the laptops and the database system would enhance coordination between the Ministry, the 11 Local Government Areas, and key WASH implementation agencies, including RUWASSA, GOSEPA, STOWASSA, and GSTWB.
He said the initiative would contribute significantly to improved monitoring, evaluation, performance tracking, coordination and delivery of WASH services across the state.
He also commended the administration of His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for its laudable investments in the WASH sector, noting that WASH projects are visible across the state and have been acknowledged even by critics.
According to him, the development of a comprehensive WASH database is necessary to complement these investments by providing reliable and up-to-date information for effective planning, promoting transparency and accountability, strengthening monitoring and performance assessment, and identifying underserved communities that require additional WASH facilities.
The Commissioner emphasised that the database would also support the State in measuring progress in the WASH sector and ensuring that available resources are directed towards areas of greatest need.
He further appreciated the Gombe State Government and all stakeholders under the NG-SURWASH Programme for their continued commitment to strengthening the state’s water, sanitation and hygiene sector.
He assured that the equipment would be put to optimal use to support effective data management, institutional coordination and improved WASH service delivery for communities across Gombe State.
The presentation was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Muhammad Abubakar Bello Kumo, alongside Directors and other officials of the Ministry, as contained in a statement signed by Information Officer, Ministry of Water Resources.
The Commissioner receiving the laptops
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