The Gombe State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has commenced the distribution of Aqua Tabs and chlorine to all 11 Local Government Areas of the state as part of efforts to prevent and control cholera outbreaks.
The intervention, undertaken on the directive of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, targets improved access to safe drinking water, particularly during the rainy season when the risk of cholera transmission is heightened.
The distribution was flagged off at the State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), where the water treatment commodities were officially handed over for onward distribution to the benefiting local government areas. The exercise was supervised by the Director of Disease Control at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Nuhu Bille, alongside officials of RUWASSA and other stakeholders in the health and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector.
Speaking during the event, the General Manager of RUWASSA, Engr. Mohammed Gibrimu Ahmed, said the Agency remains committed to ensuring that communities across Gombe State have access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation services.
He urged residents to make proper use of the distributed Aqua Tabs and chlorine, maintain good personal and environmental hygiene, and report any suspected cholera cases promptly to the nearest health facility for immediate treatment.
Ahmed commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for prioritising public health, water supply and sanitation, noting that the administration’s continued support has strengthened the state’s preparedness and response to disease outbreaks.
He also acknowledged the collaboration between RUWASSA, the Ministry of Health and development partners in implementing preventive interventions aimed at safeguarding lives and livelihoods across the state.
The Agency called on residents to support government efforts by treating drinking water before use, maintaining clean surroundings, observing proper hygiene practices and complying with public health advisories issued by the Ministry of Health.
RUWASSA reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services as part of sustained efforts to prevent the spread of cholera and protect public health in Gombe State.