The federal government says it is taking steps to tackle perennial water scarcity in the Benue South senatorial district, also known as Zone C.
Minister of water resources and sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, announced this when the Benue South APC Elders Forum visited him in Abuja at the weekend.
According to the minister, the steps taken include conducting a geophysical survey and identifying communities across the nine local government areas of the zone for the drilling of boreholes which he said would commence soon.
Professor Utsev said his ministry was also sourcing more funds for the completion of the Otobi Multipurpose Dam, stressing that the project when completed, has the capacity to generate hydropower for the zone and boost irrigation farming in the area.
A statement by the personal assistant to the minister on media and publicity, Terhemen Oraduen, said the minister announced plans to personally visit the zone and identify some of the challenges facing the people so that they can be addressed.
The minister, who said some of the sons and daughters from the zone were working with him in key positions, added that more would be considered for executive positions and boards under the ministry when the president approves it.
He appealed to them to continue to pray for President Bola Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume and himself to succeed as well as offer prayers for peace and progress of Benue State.
Earlier, the chairman, Benue South APC Elders Forum, Chief Agbo Ogah; commissioner, National Population Commission in charge of Benue State, Mrs Patricia Kupchi and a former APC chairman in Benue State, Comrade Abba Yaro, said the visit was to congratulate Professor Utsev on his appointment, appreciate him for the work he is doing for the country and pledge their support to them to succeed.
They appealed to him to intervene in the water challenges facing the zone, facilitate the employment of their sons and daughters in the federal civil service as well as extend more empowerment programmes to the zone to enable them to have a sense of belonging.
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