Minister Pledges Quick Completion Of Otukpo Multipurpose Dam

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to quickly complete the Otukpo multipurpose dam following an inspection tour of the project in Otobi Akpa, Otukpo local government area of Benue State.

Prof. Utsev visited the facility as part of his nationwide assessment of dams, irrigation schemes, water supply and sanitation projects.

The director, information and public relations in the ministry, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, said on Friday that the minister noted that President Bola Tinubu had issued a “marching order” for a comprehensive assessment of water facilities across the country to identify challenges and accelerate interventions.

He said the tour was crucial for pinpointing dams requiring urgent completion, structures affected by siltation and facilities facing potential structural risks.

According to him, the Otukpo multipurpose dam when fully completed will significantly benefit the region with an expected reservoir capacity of 130 million cubic metres, a 3.3MW hydroelectric power plant, potable water supply, irrigation covering 2,000 hectares of farmland and 13 kilometres of internal access roads.

The project is also expected to create jobs and boost irrigation, hydropower production, tourism and overall socioeconomic development.

The minister also outlined the scope of work on the project which includes a 22-metre-high earth-fill embankment stretching 2,468 metres, a stepped concrete spillway, spillway bridge, inlet and outlet works, hydroelectric structures and a 13.3-kilometre access road.

Prof. Utsev further explained that technical studies conducted on the aquifer system in Benue South (Zone C) showed that completing the dam remained the most sustainable solution to the area’s water supply challenges.

He assured residents that the project would serve communities in both Zones C and parts of Zone B.

He added that the federal government was determined to resolve all pending challenges affecting the pace of work, stressing that President Tinubu “is a listening leader” who prioritises the welfare of Nigerians.

“The purpose of this inspection is to determine the outstanding work and ensure the immediate commencement of the dam’s completion,” he said.

During a courtesy visit to the chairman of traditional rulers of Akpa District, Chief Wilson Ahola, Prof. Utsev conveyed the president’s appreciation for the community’s support and reiterated the administration’s resolve to tackle security concerns hindering progress on the project. He also encouraged residents to actively participate in the ongoing national e-registration exercise.

Responding on behalf of the community, the head of Otobi Ward, Chief Pius Aholah, thanked the minister for the visit and conveyed the people’s gratitude for the government’s renewed commitment.

He, however, raised concerns over recurring attacks by criminals and called for the urgent establishment of a police post in the area to improve security.

The minister was accompanied by several senior officials of the ministry, including the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emanso Umobong; Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations, Engr. Ali Dallah; Director of Water Supply, Mr. Mukaila Segun Babarinde; Director of Irrigation and Drainage, Engr. Esther Oyeronke Oluniyi; Director of PPP, Engr. Zachaeus Akinjogbin; and National Project Coordinator of SPIN, Engr. Ipinlaye Olaiya.