FG to Construct New Dam in Plateau

The Federal Government has announced plans to construct a new dam in Limpye, Ampang East District of Kanke Local Government Area, Plateau State, as part of efforts to improve water supply, irrigation and hydropower generation in the North-Central region. The project was disclosed by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, during an assessment visit to the proposed site alongside the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and other officials.

Utsev said the proposed Limpye Dam would commence after the completion of feasibility studies, engineering designs and approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). According to him, the project is expected to provide clean and sustainable water to communities in Kanke and neighbouring areas, support irrigation farming, create jobs for women and youths, and boost electricity generation through hydropower.

The minister also disclosed that the Mangu Dam in Pankshin Local Government Area, which is about 90 per cent completed, would soon be completed and commissioned. He added that the Federal Government was carrying out assessments of dams across the country on the directive of President Bola Tinubu to determine their condition for rehabilitation and further development.

Utsev explained that other dam projects, including those along the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway corridor, are designed to provide domestic water supply, support all-season farming, reduce farmer-herder conflicts and improve electricity generation. He also noted that rehabilitation works are ongoing at the Alau Dam in Borno State, while several other dam projects nationwide are at advanced stages of completion.

Speaking during the visit, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda said the Kanke Dam would transform the area by addressing water shortages, improving electricity supply, creating economic opportunities and serving as a tourism asset. He added that the water reticulation network would extend beyond Kanke to neighbouring communities, providing pipe-borne water to areas that have never had access to it.