By Hajara Leman

The Gombe State government says it has initiated an innovative approach to transform faecal sludge management (FSM) to enhance wealth creation and environmental sustainability.

Alhaji Mohammed Fawu, Commissioner for Water, Environment and Forest Resources, said this during a faecal sludge management sensitisation exercise in Kwami Village, Kwami Local Government Area of the state.

The exercise is being organised by the Gombe State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Represented by Mohammed Abubakar-Sadiq, Director of Water Resources in the ministry, Fawu underscored the imperative of effective FSM in sanitation, health, economy, education, gender equity, and climate resilience.

He said the key strategies outlined include the construction of sludge treatment plants, engagement with the private sector, capacity building for sanitation workers, and sustained community outreach.

Fawu, who highlighted the dangers of poor faecal waste management, warned that indiscriminate use of pit latrines and septic tanks without proper disposal systems often led to environmental pollution, groundwater contamination and health risks.

According to Fawu, the state government is seizing these challenges as opportunities to turn sludge into wealth.

“We are exploring innovative approaches to turn waste into wealth. Treated faecal sludge, when properly managed could be converted into energy, bio-fertiliser, or even water for non-potable use,” he said.

The commissioner said the establishment of a 320MW Small Hydro Power Project by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), was a testament to the state government’s commitment to sustainable, climate-smart infrastructure.

He commended UNICEF for its support to the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programmes in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali