NAVY UNVEILS SOLAR BOREHOLES IN GOMBE COMMUNITY

The Nigerian Navy has inaugurated three solar-powered boreholes in communities within Jekadafari, Gombe metropolis, as part of efforts to improve access to clean water and strengthen civil-military relations.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, inaugurated the projects on Thursday under the Nigerian Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation Quick Impact Project initiative.

The facilities are located in Gadan Mai Alewa, Sabon Layi, also known as Layin Almajirai, and Layin Kasura communities.

Each project comprises a solar-powered borehole, a 10,000-litre overhead water tank, perimeter fencing and streetlights.

Abbas, who was represented at the event by the Director of Project Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation at Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Mohammed Dahiru, said the intervention was designed to improve community welfare while strengthening cooperation between the military and civilian population.

He said the Nigerian Navy’s responsibilities extended beyond protecting lives and property to supporting initiatives that improve the quality of life in communities.

The project was executed under the Chief of Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme in honour of retired Rear Admiral Shehu Usman Gombe.

Usman said the decision to provide water facilities followed consultations with community leaders, who identified access to potable water as their most pressing need.

He explained that he had initially planned to renovate a school or healthcare facility but changed the focus after learning about the community’s difficulty accessing clean water.

The retired naval officer urged residents to protect the facilities from vandalism and ensure that they remain functional for future generations.

Representatives of the Gombe State Government and the Emir of Gombe also commended the initiative, describing it as an important contribution to community development and public health.

The Chief of Naval Staff urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible information that could assist efforts to maintain peace and security.

The Navy said the intervention demonstrates its commitment to civil-military cooperation and community development beyond its traditional security responsibilities.