Floods: FG to fast-track construction of Dasin Hausa Dam— ICRC
By Okeoghene Akubuike
The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), says plans are ongoing to fast-track construction of the Dasin Hausa Dam through Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
A statement issued by Ifeanyi Nwoko, the Acting Head, Media and Publicity, ICRC, on Thursday in Abuja, said this was the focus of a meeting between the Commission, Ministry of Water Resources and Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited.
The ICRC Director-General (D-G), Dr Johnson Ewalefoh, said the long-overdue project would serve as a buffer against the devastating floods caused by excess water released from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
He said the Dasin Hausa Dam located in Adamawa, was originally planned in the 1980s to complement Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam.
He noted that the project had remained stalled for over 40 years.
According to him,, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, efforts are now ongoing to fast-track its construction through a PPP.
“ The objective of the meeting is to assess progress since the Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) signing,” he said.
Ewalefoh said the meeting was also to review commitments by both parties, address regulatory concerns, and receive updates on the project’s implementation timeline and challenges.
“This meeting is a major step towards ensuring the dam’s swift and successful execution.”
He expressed confidence that all processes leading to the dam’s construction would be expedited with.
The D-G said when completed, the Multi-Purpose Dam would mitigate the flooding caused by the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
“The completion of Dasin Hausa Dam is not just about stopping floods, it is about securing our future.
“Every year, we watch helplessly as floodwaters from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam destroy homes, farmlands, and livelihoods.
“ With this dam, we can finally control the floods, protect communities, and save billions of Naira in damages.”
Ewelafoh said the project would also generate more than 300 megawatts of electricity, boost industries, and create thousands of jobs.
He said the dam would also provide a source for irrigation farming for Adamawa, Taraba, and Benue states, covering over 150,000 hectares of farmlands.
“Imagine the transformation of year-round irrigation for farmers, abundant food production, stable water supply, and improved inland waterways.
“This dam is the key to unlocking economic prosperity for Taraba and the entire country.
“ We have delayed long enough, and the cost of inaction has been devastating. It’s time to build the Dasin Hausa Dam and change Nigeria’s story forever,” he said.
The D-G said currently, a pre-feasibility study had been completed, and stakeholders had requested an extended study to address areas that were not initially covered.
Mr Zacheus Akinjogbin, Head PPP Unit, Ministry of Water Resources assured stakeholders that the ministry was taking concrete steps to see the project through to completion.
Mr Lamu Audu, an Engineer and Managing Director, Mainstream Energy Solutions, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government and mobilising private-sector funds and expertise to complete the project.
Audu said several international financiers, donour agencies, and the World Bank had already expressed strong interest in supporting the dam’s completion.
Stakeholders at the meeting agreed to set clear timelines for resolving outstanding issues, ensuring that the project moved forward swiftly at the Ministry of Water Resources. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams
