The Federal Government has announced plans to construct a new dam in Limpye, Kanke LGA of Plateau State, while assuring residents of the timely completion of the Mangu Dam project.
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| Federal officials inspect the proposed site of the Limpye Dam in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State. |
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, disclosed this during an assessment visit to the proposed project site alongside the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, senior ministry officials and technical experts.
Prof. Utsev also assured residents that the Mangu Dam project in Pankshin Local Government Area, which is currently about 90 per cent completed, would soon be completed and commissioned.
According to the minister, the inspection was carried out on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of ongoing efforts to assess existing dams and identify new sites for development and rehabilitation across the country.
He explained that construction of the proposed Limpye Dam would commence after the completion of feasibility studies, engineering designs and approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The minister said the project is expected to provide clean and sustainable water to communities in Kanke and neighbouring areas while boosting irrigation farming and economic activities.
"The proposed dam will create employment opportunities for women and youths, strengthen food production and increase hydropower generation for the national grid," Utsev said.
The minister reiterated that the Mangu Dam project has reached 90 per cent completion and would support irrigation, electricity generation and potable water supply upon commissioning.
He added that similar dam projects being developed along the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway corridor are designed to improve domestic water supply, reduce farmer-herder conflicts and encourage year-round agricultural activities.
Utsev also disclosed that rehabilitation works are progressing at the Alau Dam in Borno State, while several other dam projects across the country are at advanced stages of completion.
Speaking during the visit, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the proposed Kanke Dam would transform the local economy by addressing water shortages and stimulating economic growth.
According to him, the project will provide potable water to communities stretching from Limpye to Lantan and other parts of Kanke Local Government Area that have never enjoyed pipe-borne water.
"The reticulation is not for Kanke alone. It will extend from Limpye to Lantan and back into the Local Government Area, providing potable water to communities that have never had access to pipe-borne water," Yilwatda stated.
He added that, beyond water supply, the project would enhance electricity generation, improve road infrastructure, create jobs and potentially serve as a tourist attraction.
The Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah, described the visit as a pre-feasibility assessment aimed at determining the suitability of the proposed site.
He explained that subsequent visits would involve detailed engineering studies and technical evaluations before construction begins.
The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Golong Ngas, Chief Jika Golit, to formally notify the traditional institution of the proposed project and seek community support for its implementation.
Meanwhile, Plateau State Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Hon. Bashir Lawanndi Datti, commended President Tinubu for approving what he described as critical infrastructure projects that would significantly improve livelihoods in Plateau State.
The highlight of the visit was the decoration of the Minister of Water Resources with the traditional regalia of the Ngas people of Pankshin and Dungung District in Kanke Local Government Area.
The proposed Limpye Dam is expected to improve access to potable water, expand irrigation farming and stimulate economic growth in rural communities across Plateau State. Stakeholders believe the project could also help reduce farmer-herder conflicts and strengthen food security in the North-Central region.
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