The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, says that ongoing work on Otukpo Multipurpose Dam located in Tobi Akpa, Otukpo is progressing and would soon be completed.
He was speaking during a nationwide inspection tour of dams, irrigation, water supply and sanitation projects.
According to him, the prevailing water challenges faced by the people of Otukpo in Benue State North Central Nigeria, would soon be a thing of the past as government has intensified efforts to address it.
A statement from the Ministry said the inspection aligns with the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to ensure sustainable water resources management and improve the quality of life of Nigerians.
Prof. Utsev stated that the President had given a marching order to assess all water facilities across Nigeria in order to address challenges related to water supply and sanitation and to fulfil the administration’s promise of making life more meaningful for Nigerians.
According to him, “the inspection tour was undertaken to identify critical areas requiring urgent intervention, particularly dams that are yet to be completed, those experiencing challenges such as siltation, and facilities at risk of structural failure”
The Water Resources and Sanitation Minister, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emanso Umobong, technical directors, and community leaders, explained that upon completion, the Otukpo Dam is expected to deliver enormous benefits, including a reservoir capacity of 130 million cubic metres, a 3.3MW hydroelectric power plant, portable water supply, irrigation of 2,000 hectares of farmland, and the construction of 13 kilometres of internal access roads.
He added that the project will create employment opportunities and enhance water supply, irrigation, hydropower generation, and tourism, among other benefits.
He further disclosed that the scope of work includes the construction of a 22-metre-high earth-fill dam embankment spanning 2,468.64 metres, ground exploration activities, a stepped concrete spillway, spillway bridge, inlet and outlet structures, hydroelectric power generation structures, as well as a 13.30 km access road.
Prof. Utsev explained that technical assessments of the aquifer system in Zone C of Benue State revealed that completing the Otukpo Dam remains the most viable and sustainable solution to addressing water challenges in the area. He noted that water from the dam would be reticulated not only to communities in Zone C but also to parts of Zone B.
He assured the people that President Tinubu is a listening President and would adequately attend to their yearnings, noting that the purpose of the inspection was to ascertain the level of outstanding works to enable the immediate commencement of the dam’s completion.
The Minister urged residents to continue to support the President, assuring them that the Nigerian Government would put all necessary measures in place to ensure the timely completion of the project.
Providing Lasting Solutions
As part of the visit, the Minister and his entourage paid a courtesy call on His Royal Highness, Chief Wilson Ahola, the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Akpa District, Otukpo Local Government Area.
During the visit, Prof. Utsev reiterated that the President specifically directed him to visit the Otukpo Dam in view of the prevailing water challenges facing the people and to ensure that lasting solutions are provided.
He added that the President deeply appreciates the support of the people of Otukpo and that all issues affecting the speedy completion of the project, including security concerns, would be vigorously addressed. He encouraged residents to participate actively in the e-registration exercise ongoing across the country.
In his response, the Head of Otobi ward Chief Pius Aholah, expressed appreciation to the Minister and his delegation for the visit. While acknowledging the President’s message of goodwill, the monarch lamented the persistent attacks by unknown gunmen in the area, and emphasized the need for adequate security presence.
He appealed for urgent establishment of a police post in the community to enhance security in the area.
The Minister was accompanied on the inspection tour by the management, staff and several senior officials of the Ministry.
PR/TERVER