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TWO DAMS IN PLATEAU, ENUGU NEARING COMPLETION – MINISTER
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has stated that the Mangu Dam in Plateau State and the Adada Dam in Enugu State are nearing completion.
Speaking at the Inter-Ministerial Committee’s media briefing for Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary in Abuja, Utsev explained that there has been the commissioning of the Rafin Yashin Multipurpose Dam in Niger State, the Odo-Ape Dam in Kogi State, and the Lessel Earth Dam in Benue State, among others, since his assumption of office.
On irrigation, he highlighted the on-going projects such as the Adarice Irrigation Project in Anambra and Enugu States, the Bakolori Irrigation Project in Zamfara State, Dadin Kowa irrigation project in Gombe State and the Middle Ogun Irrigation Project in Oyo State aimed at improving food production.
The minister, who underscored the critical role of the water sector in the Federal Government’s agenda, also outlined some key initiatives aimed at boosting food security in Nigeria.
He emphasised that the Ministry is responsible for developing policies that ensure sustainable access to safe water, addressing a range of social, cultural, environmental, and economic needs.
Utsev, therefore, encouraged Nigerians and investors to participate in the irrigation efforts of the Federal Government as well as support the commercialisation of River Basin Development Authorities.
While addressing the recent flooding in Maiduguri, he linked the incident to climate change and stressed the importance of rehabilitating older dams like the Alau Dam.
He added that a technical committee has been constituted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assess the integrity of dams nationwide.
He also expressed gratitude to Mr. President for his support of these initiatives and called for cooperation to improve food security and sanitation, particularly through the Open Defecation Free (ODF) campaign.
