From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has refuted reports in the media space that the Dadin Kowa Multipurpose Dam in Gombe State has collapse following recent down pours in parts of the country.
The Minister Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev stated while briefing newsmen after assessing the dam alongside the Minister of State, Bello Goronyo, in Gombe state.
Professor Utsev who described the report as false and misleading explained that based on the assessment of the components at the dam and what he saw on ground, the dam was in good condition to serve the intended purposes of irrigation, power generation and flood control with no threat of any collapse even in future.
The Minister in a statement released his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity,Terhemen Oraduem,all the channels including the spillway and penstock for hydropower were fully opened to regulate the water in the reservoir and generate electricity.
Professor Utsev advised the people to always verify their sources of information and ensure accuracy before going to the press in order not to mislead the public and cause panic.
The Minister said his ministry was carrying out daily monitoring and regular inspection of the dam to ensure its safety and regulate the water levels in the reservoir.
Professor Utsev announced that the Federal Government was working towards implementing the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria SPIN project across the country which encompasses irrigation, dam safety and power
According to him, the ministry was also taking necessary measures to guarantee the safety of water infrastructure in the country and undertake new projects to ensure food security, water supply, sanitation, flood control employment generation, and climate change adaptation among others.
On his part, Minister of State, Bello Goronyo said the ministry will continue to protect and safeguard its critical national assets to serve the purpose they were meant for and assured Nigerians of the commitment of government to provide adequate water for irrigation farming and hydropower generation.
Earlier the acting area manager Dadin Kowa Multipurpose Dam, Bello Mohammed Bello explained that the dam was at present supplying water to over two thousand hectares of land for irrigation farming in Gombe which has scaled up irrigation farming within its catchment area and the assured host community where the dam is situated of their safety.
Also the project manager l Mabon limited, Mr. Jayaharan Paul said the dam has been supplying hydropower to the national grid and increased power supply within Gombe, Borno and Yobe axis.
The Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, Senior Ministry officials, managing directors of River Basin Development Authorities, water resources experts, and technical engineers were part of the Ministers entourage.