Communities of Shongom Local Government Area (LGA) in Gombe state, have celebrated the restoration of power after 9 years of darkness.
The communities of the local government have been in total blackout since 2015, which severely impacted local economic and social activities.
The Chairperson of Shongom Local Government, Hajiya Fatima Binta Bello disclosed this in Shongom when she assisted 300 hundred people who are worst affected as a result of floods that affected the area during the rainy season.
Hajiya Fatima said that other development projects will be carried out, and that she prioritises the welfare of the communities.
She said the projects is ongoing and will cover all the nine wards in the local.government area,
She said the communities that benefitted included Shongom, Lallapido, Jauro Saje Filya, Gonde and Gundari, adding: “We have spent over N25 million Naira on the project and we have now started the second phase.”
“When we came on board five years ago, I wondered how people stayed for nine-years without electricity, later, we brainstormed on how to use our lean resources at our disposal to alleviate the sufferings of people of the area.
“This led to the decision to start saving money and when we get some money we embark on the rural electrification rehabilitation project to restore electricity to long-neglected areas.
“You know, a lot of funds have been invested in this project, so you cannot expect it to be free. What you should expect is a reasonable tariff that the community can afford, which will gradually help them grow their businesses. If you provide it for free, it means you want this project to collapse, because it will not be sustainable, even the water our people will.pay a tokento enable us get petrol , service and maintain the vehicle we repair”
Hajiya Fatima said jointly with the State Government, they were rebuilding the Local Government secretariat that was burnt eight years ago, and it will be completed by the end of December this year 2024.
She said she had repaired the water tank and had started working to repair 45 boreholes out of the 145 boreholes that are not working in the area.
The chairperson said flood had affected 870 households in the area and they have submitted their data to National Emergency Management Agency NEMA and North East Development Commission NEDC for possible assistance and today she distributed 200 mattress,,buckets,blankets, buckets, zinc and many other things to ease the suffering of the worst affected people in the area.
The Commissioner Ministry of Local Government Gombe State, Alhaji Abdukardir Muhammad commended the chairperson for executing people-oriented projects which aligned with the administration of Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya.
Abdulkadir said they had come to Shongom to see to see what kind of work the Chairperson is doing in collaboration with the state government, she has done alot to her people and we assure her of our continuous support, abd I hope it will be an example for other local government leaders to emulate her.
The commissioner praised and appreciated Fatima Bello and the community for cooperation and maintained a peaceful atmosphere in the area.
He advised the community to protect government infrastructure.
Many residents who spoke to reporters, including Victoria Mela and Mr Mila Kawu, said when they saw the light restored, it came to them like a miracle, because this Rural Electrification Rehabilitation Project has brought a smile to the faces of citizens.
They thanked the chairperson for her effort in bringing development to her community, as it will improve the economic activities and also enhance security in the area.
One of the indigenes spoke in confidence, saying: “We have endured prolonged darkness that has drastically hindered development, business, and security.
“The restoration of power to the community will usher in development and rejuvenate commerce in the area.
“We are delighted with this historic achievement that has given us something to hope for again,”
They described the chairman as an exemplary leader who had set a high standard for others to emulate.
“This demonstrates the Fatima Bello focus on governance and the needs of the Shongom people,”
The communities recounted their suffering when there was no power and they had to pay money to charge their phones and iron their clothes, but that has now become history.
