The Federal Government has unveiled plans to construct a new dam in Limpye, located in the Ampang East District of Kanke Local Government Area, Plateau State, as part of ongoing efforts to improve water supply, expand irrigation, and boost electricity generation across the North Central region.
The announcement was made on Monday by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev, during an assessment visit to the proposed project site. He was accompanied by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Engr. Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations and Acting Permanent Secretary, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah, along with other technical experts. The development was contained in a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Funmi Imuetinyan.
Utsev explained that the inspection followed a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a nationwide assessment of dams to determine those requiring rehabilitation and those suitable for new development.
According to the minister, work on the Limpye Dam will begin after the completion of feasibility studies, engineering designs and approval by the Federal Executive Council.
He said the proposed project is expected to provide reliable and clean water to residents of Kanke and neighbouring communities while supporting irrigation farming, creating employment opportunities for women and young people, and increasing hydropower generation for the national electricity grid.
The minister also gave an update on the Mangu Dam in Pankshin Local Government Area, revealing that the project has reached about 90 percent completion and will soon be completed and commissioned. He noted that the facility is designed to improve irrigation, generate electricity and provide potable water to surrounding communities.
Utsev further disclosed that several dams being developed along the Sokoto to Badagry Superhighway corridor are intended to improve domestic water supply, encourage year round farming, reduce conflicts between farmers and herders, and strengthen electricity generation.
Providing updates on other ongoing projects, he said rehabilitation work is progressing steadily at the Alau Dam in Borno State, while several other dam projects across the country are also nearing completion.
The minister commended President Tinubu for his continued support for the water and sanitation sector and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to delivering projects that will improve the lives of Nigerians. He also encouraged the people of Plateau State to continue supporting the administration’s development agenda.
Speaking during the visit, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, said the proposed Kanke Dam would transform the area by improving access to potable water, increasing electricity generation, enhancing road connectivity, creating economic opportunities and promoting tourism.
He explained that the planned water distribution network would not be limited to Kanke alone but would extend from Limpye to Lantan and back into the local government area, bringing pipe borne water to many communities that have never benefited from such services.
Yilwatda added that the Tinubu administration has placed Plateau State and the North Central region among its development priorities through the execution of major infrastructure projects. He appealed to residents to continue supporting the government and praying for the success of its programmes.
Also speaking, the Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations and Acting Permanent Secretary, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah, said the visit was aimed at carrying out a preliminary assessment of the proposed site to determine its suitability for the project.
He explained that additional visits would follow for detailed feasibility studies, engineering designs and the preparation of comprehensive technical reports before construction begins.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Hon. Bashir Lawanndi Datti, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the proposed projects, describing them as critical investments that would greatly improve the living conditions of residents across the state.
Before proceeding to the project site, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Golong Ngas, Chief Jika Golit, to formally inform the traditional ruler about the proposed dam and seek the support of the traditional institution for its successful implementation.
The visit concluded with the minister being honoured with the traditional regalia of the Ngas people of Pankshin Local Government Area and the Dungung District of Kanke Local Government Area, in recognition of his visit and the proposed development project.
