By Abiodun Folarin
WorldStage– The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled plans to construct a new dam in Limpye, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, as part of efforts to expand water supply, boost irrigation, increase hydropower generation and strengthen rural development, while assuring that the 90 per cent completed Mangu Dam will soon be delivered.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev, disclosed this during an inspection of the proposed Limpye Dam site with the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations and Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Ali Dallah, and other technical officials.
Utsev said the inspection was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a nationwide assessment of dams to identify projects requiring rehabilitation and new investments.
He explained that construction of the Limpye Dam would commence after the completion of feasibility studies, detailed engineering designs and approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
According to the minister, the project is expected to provide sustainable potable water to Kanke and neighbouring communities, support irrigation farming, create jobs for women and youths, and contribute to electricity generation through hydropower.
He also reaffirmed that the Mangu Dam project in Pankshin Local Government Area has reached about 90 per cent completion and will soon be completed and commissioned to provide irrigation, potable water and hydropower.
Utsev further disclosed that dam projects being developed along the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway corridor are designed to improve domestic water supply, support all-season agriculture, reduce farmer-herder conflicts and increase electricity generation.
On the Alau Dam in Borno State, the minister said rehabilitation work is progressing steadily, adding that several other dam projects nationwide are at advanced stages of completion.
He commended President Tinubu for sustaining investments in the water and sanitation sector and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that supports food security, energy development and improved livelihoods.
Speaking during the visit, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described the proposed Kanke Dam as a transformative project that would improve access to potable water, expand electricity generation, stimulate economic activities and open up the area for tourism.
He said the water reticulation network would extend beyond Kanke to communities including Limpye and Lantan, bringing pipe-borne water to thousands of residents who have never enjoyed such services.
“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,” he said.
Yilwatda added that the Tinubu administration remains committed to delivering strategic infrastructure projects across Plateau State and the North-Central region to promote inclusive development.
Also speaking, Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations, Engr. Ali Dallah, said the visit marked the pre-feasibility stage of the Limpye Dam project, with detailed engineering studies and technical assessments to follow before construction begins.
Plateau State Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Hon. Bashir Datti, welcomed the project, describing it as a major intervention that would enhance water supply, agriculture and socio-economic development in the state.
The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Golong Ngas, Chief Jika Golit, to seek the support of the traditional institution for the successful implementation of the project.
The visit ended with the conferment of the traditional regalia of the Ngas people of Pankshin Local Government Area and Dungung District of Kanke Local Government Area on the minister in recognition of his contributions to the development of the area.
