From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the ongoing construction of dams across the country, including the Doma and Farin Ruwa Multipurpose Dam project in Nasarawa State.
Professor Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, made this promise during a courtesy visit from the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, and his delegation.
Prof. Utsev emphasized the crucial role the Doma and Farin Ruwa dams will play in water supply, irrigation, hydro-power generation, and job creation. He highlighted their strategic location near the FCT and other states, underlining their potential impact on the region’s development, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister informed the Governor that the Farin Ruwa Dam, with its hydro-power capacity of approximately 25 megawatts, has been included in the 2024 budget, and construction is progressing.
“Upon completion, the dam will guarantee ample water supply for households, irrigation, and hydro-power generation, benefiting not only Nasarawa State but also extending its advantages to Benue State and the FCT, fostering job creation, wealth generation, and ensuring food security,” Prof. Utsev stated.
He also mentioned that the Doma Dam in Nasarawa State is among those slated for rehabilitation by the Federal Government. He expressed gratitude for the Governor’s visit and reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to partnering with the Nasarawa State Government on initiatives relating to food security, water supply, and hydropower generation.
The Minister emphasized the pivotal role of the Federal Government in implementing water and sanitation programs across states. He encouraged active participation from state governments in collaborative efforts for the mutual welfare of citizens.
Prof. Utsev revealed that the inter-transfer of water from the Gurara Dam to the lower Usman Dam is currently underway, aimed at significantly improving the quality of life for the FCT, Nasarawa indigenes, and residents in the surrounding areas.
He urged the Governor to embrace the ‘Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign’ to facilitate Nasarawa State’s registration among open defecation-free (ODF) states, aligning with the national goal of achieving ODF status by 2025.
He underscored that currently, only Jigawa State has attained the ODF status. He emphasized the campaign’s importance in eradicating waterborne diseases like Typhoid fever, diarrhoea, and malaria, thereby promoting public health and contributing to national prosperity.
Earlier, Governor Abdullahi Sule congratulated both Ministers on their appointments by the President, reiterating Nasarawa State’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry, particularly in counterpart projects tailored for state governments.
The General Manager of the Nasarawa State Water Board, Kana Ahmed Abubakar, expressed the state’s readiness to collaborate with the Ministry on its transformative initiatives, indicating a shared commitment to addressing these challenges and improving the livelihoods of the people.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alh. Aliyu Shehu Shinkafi, along with several directors and staff from the Ministry.