Minister Plans 19 Earth Dams In FCT Grazing Reserve

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has reveaedl plans to construct 19 additional earth dams at the Kawu Grazing Reserve in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to address the perennial water shortage for livestock and enhance dryseason agriculture.

Maiha, who dropped the hint 48 hours after visiting the reserve, said the proposal would be captured in the 2026 national budget to ensure animals have year-round access to water.

Currently, the Kawu Grazing Reserve, home to over 35,000 animals, relies on a single earth dam to serve the entire community.

The minister explained that the new facilities would provide sustainable water supply and support irrigation farming, particularly pasture cultivation during the dry season.

“With water, pasture, and security in place, no herder will need to be persuaded to relocate from the city centre,” Maiha said, adding that the initiative would help reduce urban encroachment by herders.

He said the ministry would work closely with the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and security agencies to achieve the goal.