By Onyeje Abutu-Joel
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has inspected the Otukpo Multipurpose Dam in Benue, assuring residents of the Federal Government’s commitment to its timely completion.
Utsev conducted the inspection as part of a nationwide tour of dams, irrigation, water supply and sanitation projects, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive on sustainable water resources management.
He said the President ordered a nationwide assessment of water facilities to address water supply and sanitation challenges and improve the quality of life of Nigerians.
According to the minister, the inspection aims to identify gaps in uncompleted dams, facilities affected by siltation and projects facing structural challenges.
Utsev said the Otukpo Dam, when completed, would have a reservoir capacity of 130 million cubic metres, generate 3.3 megawatts of hydroelectric power, supply potable water, irrigate about 2,000 hectares of farmland and include 13 kilometres of internal access roads.
He added that the project would create jobs and boost irrigation, hydropower generation, tourism and overall socio-economic development in the area.
The minister explained that technical assessments of the aquifer system in Benue’s Zone C showed that completing the dam remained the most sustainable solution to the area’s water challenges, noting that it would also supply parts of Zone B.
Utsev said the visit was to determine outstanding works for the immediate resumption of construction, assuring residents of the President’s commitment to addressing their concerns.
He urged residents to support the Federal Government, pledging that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure the project’s completion.
During the visit, the minister paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Akpa District, Chief Wilson Ahola, where he reaffirmed the President’s directive to provide lasting solutions to the area’s water challenges.
In his response, the Head of Otobi Ward, Chief Pius Aholah, thanked the minister for the visit but raised concerns over persistent security challenges, appealing for the establishment of a police post in the community.
NAN reports that the minister was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Emanso Umobong, directors and other senior officials. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
