The Federal Government has announced plans to build a dam in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State as part of efforts to improve water availability, promote irrigation farming and support electricity generation.
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‎The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, disclosed this on Monday during an inspection visit to the proposed dam location. He was accompanied by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, and the ministry’s Acting Permanent Secretary, Ali Dallah.
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‎Utsev said the project was initiated following a directive from President Bola Tinubu and would begin after the completion of feasibility assessments, design work and approval from the Federal Executive Council.
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‎According to the minister, the dam would provide a reliable water source for residents of Kanke and surrounding communities, expand agricultural activities through irrigation, create employment opportunities for women and young people, and contribute to power generation.
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‎He also revealed that the Mangu Dam project in Mangu Local Government Area had reached 90 per cent completion. The facility, he said, would enhance irrigation, support hydropower production and help resolve persistent water challenges in the area.
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‎Utsev further stated that the government was developing dam projects along the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway to strengthen water supply, encourage all-season farming, reduce clashes between farmers and herders, and improve electricity access.
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‎He added that rehabilitation work was ongoing at the Alau Dam in Borno State, while other dams across the country were also undergoing repairs and upgrades.
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‎The minister thanked President Tinubu for supporting initiatives in the water and sanitation sector, assuring Nigerians that the ministry remained committed to expanding access to clean water and sanitation services.
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‎Yilwatda, while speaking on the project, said the completion of the Kanke Dam would help tackle water shortages in the area and nearby communities once connected to distribution systems. He added that the project would also improve electricity supply, create road infrastructure, boost local businesses and serve as a potential tourism attraction.
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‎The APC chairman said the Tinubu administration had continued to prioritise development projects in Plateau State and the North-Central region, urging residents to support the government’s programmes.
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‎Before the inspection, the minister, APC chairman and the acting permanent secretary visited the Golong Ngas, Jika Golit, to brief him about the proposed dam and seek his support for the successful implementation of the project.