Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, has urged the Nasarawa State government to embrace the ‘Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign.’
The minister stated this when the Nasarawa State governor, Engr Abdullahi Sule led a delegation on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
He said such a campaign would help Nasarawa State to achieve open defecation-free (ODF) status, aligning with the national goal of attaining ODF status by 2025.
He stressed the campaign’s importance in eradicating waterborne diseases like typhoid fever, diarrhea, and malaria, by promoting public health and contributing to national prosperity.
Engr Utsev expressed his commitment to completing the Farin Ruwa Multipurpose Dam project in Nasarawa State, emphasizing that it would enhance water supply, irrigation, hydro-power generation, and job creation.
He revealed that its strategic location near the FCT and other states underscores its potential impact on the region’s development, aligning with the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
He disclosed that the Farin Ruwa Dam, with its hydro-power capacity of approximately 25 megawatts, was included in the 2024 appropriation and construction is progressing steadily.
According to him, the embankments have already been completed, and work is now focused on the crest level.
He emphasised that upon completion, the dam would guarantee adequate water supply for households, irrigation, and hydro-power generation not only for Nasarawa State and also for Benue State and the FCT.
The minister also stated that the Doma Dam in Nasarawa State is among those slated for rehabilitation by the federal government.
Engr Utsev expressed gratitude for the governor’s visit and reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to partnering with the Nasarawa State government on initiatives relating to food security, water supply, and hydropower generation.
He stressed the pivotal role of the federal government in implementing water and sanitation programmes across states and encouraged active participation from state governments in collaborative efforts for the mutual welfare of citizens.
He also disclosed that the inter-transfer of water from Gurara Dam to the lower Usman Dam is currently underway, aimed at improving the quality of life for FCT, Nasarawa indigenes, and residents in the surrounding areas.
Earlier, Nasarawa State governor, Engr Abdullahi Sule, extended congratulations to the minister and the minister of state on their appointments by the president, stressing that the ministry remains vital in managing water resources and sanitation, including dams, irrigation, and water supply across the nation.
He reiterated Nasarawa State’s commitment to collaborating with the ministry, particularly in counterpart projects tailored for state governments.
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