Abuja: The Federal Government has announced plans to construct a dam in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau, aiming to enhance water supply, boost irrigation farming, and improve power generation. The announcement was made by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, during a visit to the proposed site.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Utsev was joined by Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Engr. Ali Dallah, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry. The minister emphasized that the project, initiated under President Bola Tinubu’s directive, would begin after the necessary feasibility studies, design, and approvals by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) are completed.
Utsev highlighted that the dam would ensure a sustainable water supply for communities in Kanke and surrounding areas, support irrigation agriculture, create jobs for women and youths, and enhance power generation. Additionally, he mentioned that the Mangu Dam project in Mangu Local Government Area is nearing completion, with 90 percent of the work already done.
The minister also detailed the government’s efforts to construct dams along the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway to improve domestic water supply, reduce farmer-herder conflicts, promote year-round agriculture, and enhance electricity generation. He noted ongoing rehabilitation work at the Alau Dam in Borno and various other dams nationwide.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for his support, Utsev assured that the ministry remains committed to improving access to water and sanitation services across the country. APC Chairman Yilwatda added that the completion of the Kanke dam would address water challenges, improve electricity supply, provide access roads, create economic opportunities, and potentially serve as a tourism center.
Earlier, the minister, APC chairman, and acting permanent secretary paid a courtesy visit to the Golong Ngas, Chief Jika Golit, to inform him about the proposed project and seek his support for its execution.