The Kaduna State Government has assured residents that Kangimi Dam in Igabi Local Government Area of the state has not collapsed and remains intact and functional.
The assurance followed reports and photographs circulating on social media alleging that the dam was at risk of imminent collapse, raising concerns among residents, particularly those living downstream of the facility.
In a statement signed by the permanent secretary, Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure, Alhaji Ashiru Abdu Na Abdu, said the images in circulation were linked to structural concerns first observed at the dam in 2015/2016.
According to the statement, the concerns were associated with ageing and pressure from heavy rainfall and were addressed through emergency remedial works carried out by the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure.
The government said the intervention was aimed at stabilising the dam structure and ensuring its safety.
It added that Kangimi Dam had remained under routine monitoring and minimal maintenance over the years, stressing that there was currently no evidence of active structural failure.
“The dam is currently intact and performing its function,” the government said.
The clarification came against the backdrop of the recent flood advisory issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which included Kaduna among states warned about possible flooding.
The state government said it took the NiMet warning seriously but cautioned against using information from 2015/2016 to describe Kangimi Dam as being on the verge of collapse.
It described such claims as misleading and not reflective of the present condition of the facility.
The government, however, disclosed that measures were being taken to strengthen safety monitoring at the dam, including the procurement and planned installation of automated water-level gauges, early warning sirens and telemetry systems for 24-hour monitoring.
It also disclosed that a joint technical inspection by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Kaduna State Government was scheduled to take place this month.
The government said the inspection would form part of ongoing efforts to assess the facility and determine further measures required to improve its safety.
It added that the budgetary process for the full rehabilitation of the dam and installation of additional safety equipment was ongoing.
The statement further disclosed that community sensitisation was being carried out in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA).
The government urged media organisations and advocacy groups to verify information concerning Kangimi Dam with the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources before publication.
It also advised residents living downstream of the dam to remain calm but vigilant and report any unusual observations to the relevant authorities.
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
