The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has assured residents of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State of the Federal Government’s commitment to the timely completion of the Otukpo Multipurpose Dam, following an on-the-spot inspection of the project.
The inspection, carried out on Thursday, January 22, at Otobi Akpa, formed part of the Minister’s nationwide tour of dams, irrigation, water supply and sanitation projects in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to ensure sustainable water resources management and improved quality of life for Nigerians.
Speaking during the visit, Prof. Utsev said President Tinubu had issued a marching order for the comprehensive assessment of water facilities across the country to address water supply and sanitation challenges and deliver on the administration’s people-centred development agenda.
According to the Minister, the inspection tour was designed to identify projects requiring urgent intervention, particularly dams that are incomplete, affected by siltation, or facing structural risks.
Prof. Utsev explained that upon completion, the Otukpo Multipurpose Dam would provide significant benefits, including a reservoir capacity of 130 million cubic metres, a 3.3-megawatt hydroelectric power plant, potable water supply, irrigation for 2,000 hectares of farmland, and the construction of 13 kilometres of internal access roads. He added that the project would also generate employment, boost irrigation and hydropower development, and enhance tourism in the area.
He further disclosed that the project scope includes the construction of a 22-metre-high earth-fill dam embankment spanning 2,468.64 metres, ground exploration works, a stepped concrete spillway with a spillway bridge, inlet and outlet structures, hydroelectric power facilities, and a 13.30-kilometre access road.
The Minister noted that technical assessments of the aquifer system in Zone C of Benue State showed that completing the Otukpo Dam remains the most viable and sustainable solution to the area’s water challenges. He added that water from the dam would be reticulated to communities in Zone C and extended to parts of Zone B.
Assured residents of government responsiveness, Prof. Utsev described President Tinubu as a listening leader, explaining that the inspection was aimed at determining the level of outstanding works to enable immediate action towards completion.
He urged the people to continue supporting the President, pledging that all necessary measures would be put in place to ensure the project is delivered on schedule.
As part of the visit, the Minister, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Emanso Umobong, technical directors and senior officials, paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Akpa District, Otukpo Local Government Area, His Royal Highness, Chief Wilson Ahola.
During the visit, Prof. Utsev reiterated that the President specifically directed him to inspect the Otukpo Dam in view of the prevailing water challenges in the area and to ensure lasting solutions. He added that issues hindering the speedy completion of the project, including security concerns, would be vigorously addressed, and encouraged residents to participate in the ongoing nationwide e-registration exercise.
Responding, the Head of Otobi Ward, Chief Pius Aholah, expressed appreciation to the Minister and his delegation for the visit but raised concerns over persistent attacks by unknown gunmen in the area. He appealed for the urgent establishment of a police post to enhance security in the community.
Other officials on the inspection team included the Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations, Engr. Ali Dallah; Director of Water Supply, Mr. Mukaila Segun Babarinde; Director of Irrigation and Drainage, Engr. Mrs. Esther Oyeronke Oluniyi; Director of Public-Private Partnerships, Engr. Zachaeus Akinjogbin; National Project Coordinator of SPIN, Engr. Ipinlaye Olaiya, and other senior ministry officials.
