Plateau Govt. Awards N30bn Contract To Boost Water Supply

The Plateau Government has awarded a N30 billion contract for the rehabilitation and construction of conservation structures at the Langtang Dam to boost water supply in the state.

 

Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, at the contract signing on Saturday in Jos, said the project was a testament to his administration’s commitment to resolving water scarcity affecting the southern senatorial district of the state.

 

He explained that the contract was awarded under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) project, a World Bank-funded initiative in partnership with the state government.

 

Mutfwang disclosed that the project sited at Langtang North Local Government Area (LGA) of the state would be completed within 30 months.

 

“This marks a significant milestone in our quest to address the water crisis, particularly in the southern part of the state.

 

“We inherited a water sector that was virtually on its knees; for years, the Yakubu Gowon Dam had no serious intervention, leading to epileptic water supply within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis.

 

“We are, however, working tirelessly to fix the problem; each time we address one issue, another emerges, but we are tackling it holistically.

 

“God helping us, in the next six months, we aim to resolve the challenges surrounding the Yakubu Gowon Dam and other key dams within the metropolis,” Mutfwang said.

 

According to him, the project is financed through a loan secured under the World Bank framework in collaboration with other northern states.

 

“The project is designed to combat desertification, ensuring sustainable water supply and environmental restoration.

 

“The dedicated project team has worked tirelessly to reach this stage, and we are fully prepared for implementation.

 

“The scope of the project also includes the desilting of the two dams in Langtang north, the construction of hedge rows to minimise future siltation and the maintenance of washout embankments with laterite filling compacted to 100 per cent standards,” he said.

 

The governor added that the project would also include the planting of grass and trees to prevent erosion, enhance environmental preservation and curb land degradation.

 

Mutfwang further explained that the interventions would ensure a stable water supply in the southern part of the state.

 

Earlier, Mr Garba Gonkol, the Project Coordinator of ACReSAL in the state, commended the governor for prioritising projects that positively impact the lives of citizens.

 

He noted that the state had never experienced such a high level of commitment aimed at addressing water challenges.

 

Similarly, Mr Akin Fagbohun, the Project Engineer and Contractor, promised to complete the project within specifications.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAN/Oyenike Oyeniyi