By Stella Odueme
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has highlighted the significance of completing the Farin Ruwa Multipurpose Dam project in Nassarawa State, emphasizing its importance for water supply, irrigation, hydro-power generation, and job creation.
The Minister made this declaration Tuesday when the Executive Governor of Nassarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Audu Sule and his delegation paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.
He revealed that its strategic location near the FCT and other states underscores its potential impact on the region’s development, aligning with the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He informed the Governor that the Farin Ruwa Dam, with its hydro-power capacity of approximately 25 mgts, has been included in the 2024 appropriation, and construction is progressing diligently.
He said the embankments have already been completed while work is now focused on the crest level.
He emphasized that upon completion, the dam will guarantee ample water supply for households, irrigation, and hydro-power generation and many more.
He noted that it will not only benefit Nassarawa State but also extend its advantages to Benue State and the FCT, fostering job creation, wealth generation, and ensuring food security.
The Minister also mentioned that the Doma Dam in Nasarawa State is among those slated for rehabilitation by the Federal Government.
Prof. Utsev expressed gratitude for the Governor’s visit and reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to partnering with the Nassarawa State government on initiatives relating to food security, water supply, and hydro-power generation.
He stressed the pivotal role of the Federal Government in implementing water and sanitation programmes across states and encouraged active participation from state governments in collaborative efforts for the mutual welfare of citizens.
He also disclosed that the inter-transfer of water from Gurara Dam to the lower Usman Dam aimed to significantly improve the quality of life for FCT, Nasarawa indigenes and residents in the surrounding areas is currently underway.
He said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing water accessibility and distribution, thus contributing to the overall well-being of the populace.
The Minister 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 ODF status.
He the importance of the campaign is geared towards eradicating waterborne diseases like Typhoid fever, diarrhea, and malaria, thereby promoting public health and contributing to national prosperity.
Speaking earlier, Engr. Audu Sule, extended congratulations to the Minister and the Minister of State on their appointments by the President, highlighting the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation’s vital role in managing water resources and sanitation, including dams, irrigation, and water supply across the nation.
The Governor reiterated 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, Engr. Kana Ahmed Abubakar, FNSE, echoed similar sentiments, shedding light on the challenges confronting the state regarding its dams.
He emphasized how the challenges have adversely impacted water supply, power generation, and irrigation operations within the state.
He however 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, Rt. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alh. Aliyu Shehu Shinkafi, FCNA, along with several directors and staff from the Ministry. Additionally, a delegation from the Governor’s office was also present, underscoring the collaborative efforts between the federal and state governments in addressing water resource management and sanitation challenges.
