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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to the completion of the Otukpo Multipurpose Dam in Benue State.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, stated this when he inspected the project at Otobi Akpa in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state, as part of his nationwide inspection of dams, irrigation, water supply and sanitation projects.
A statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the ministry, Mrs Funmi Imuetinyan, said the inspection was in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to ensure sustainable management of water resources and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
Speaking during the inspection on Thursday, January 22, Utsev said President Tinubu had directed the assessment of water facilities nationwide to tackle challenges related to water supply and sanitation and fulfil the administration’s development agenda.
According to the minister, the tour was aimed at identifying projects requiring urgent intervention, especially dams yet to be completed, those affected by siltation and facilities at risk of structural failure.
He said the completion of the Otukpo Dam would bring huge benefits to the area, including a reservoir capacity of 130 million cubic metres, a 3.3-megawatt hydroelectric power plant, potable water supply, irrigation of 2,000 hectares of farmland and 13 kilometres of internal access roads.
The minister added that the project would also create jobs and boost agriculture, power generation, water supply and tourism in the state.
Utsev disclosed that the scope of work includes the construction of a 22-metre-high earth-fill dam embankment stretching 2,468.64 metres, ground exploration works, a stepped concrete spillway and bridge, inlet and outlet structures, hydropower facilities and a 13.30-kilometre access road.
He explained that technical studies of the aquifer system in Benue State’s Zone C showed that completing the Otukpo Dam remained the most viable and sustainable solution to the area’s water challenges, noting that the dam would also serve parts of Zone B.
The minister assured residents that President Tinubu was responsive to their concerns, stressing that the inspection was to determine the level of outstanding works for the immediate completion of the project.
He urged the people to continue supporting the President, assuring them that the Federal Government would put measures in place to ensure timely delivery of the dam.
During the visit, the minister paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Akpa District, Otukpo Local Government Area, His Royal Highness, Chief Wilson Ahola.
Utsev said the President specifically directed him to inspect the Otukpo Dam in view of the prevailing water challenges in the area and assured that security and other issues affecting the project’s completion would be addressed.
In his response, the Head of Otobi Ward, Chief Pius Aholah, thanked the minister and appealed for improved security in the area, lamenting frequent attacks by unknown gunmen. He called for the establishment of a police post in the community.
Other officials on the inspection included the Director, Dams and Reservoir Operations, Engr. Ali Dallah; Director, Water Supply, Mr Mukaila Segun Babarinde; Director, Irrigation and Drainage, Engr. Mrs Esther Oyeronke Oluniyi; Director, PPP, Engr. Zachaeus Akinjogbin; National Project Coordinator, SPIN, Engr. Ipinlaye Olaiya, and other senior officials of the ministry.
