The Federal Government has assured the timely completion of the ongoing rehabilitation works on Otukpo Multipurpose Dam located at Otobi Akpa, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, gave the assurance while inspecting the project on Thursday, in line with the mandate of President Bola Tinubu, to ensure sustainable water resources management and improve the quality of life of Nigerians.
According to a statement on Friday by the Director, Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, the tour to Otukpo Dam, was part of his nationwide inspection tour of dams, irrigation, water supply and sanitation projects.
Prof. Utsev, said the President had given a marching order to assess all water facilities across the country in order to address challenges related to water supply and sanitation and to fulfil the administration’s promise to 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 Minister, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, 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, potable 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 13.30km 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 extend 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 supporting the President, assuring them that the Federal Government would put all necessary measures in place to ensure the timely completion of the project.
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.
Other officials who accompanied the Minister on the inspection include Director, Dams and Reservoir Operations, Engr. Ali Dallah ; Director, Water Supply, Mr. Mukaila Segun Babarinde; Director, Irrigation and Drainage, Engr. Mrs. Esther Oyeronke Oluniyi; Director, PPP, Engr. Zachaeus Akinjogbin; National Project Coordinator, SPIN, Engr. Ipinlaye Olaiya , and several senior officials of the Ministry.
