The Federal Government has commenced a preliminary assessment for the construction of a multipurpose dam in a Plateau State community, with the project expected to improve water supply, irrigation and other essential services for residents in Kanke and neighbouring local government areas.
The Federal Government has commenced preliminary assessment for the proposed construction of a multipurpose dam in Gyele community, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, a project expected to improve access to potable water, boost irrigation, support livestock production and stimulate rural development if approved for implementation.
The assessment began with an inspection of the proposed project site by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, accompanied by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, and the Plateau State Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Bashir Datti.
Speaking during the inspection, Utsev said the visit marked the first stage of the project, explaining that technical teams would now undertake detailed feasibility studies and engineering designs before any decision on construction is made.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev (centre).
“This is a site assessment. After this visit, technical teams and consultants will carry out detailed feasibility studies and designs to determine the size, cost and duration of the project before construction begins,” the minister said.
Utsev said the proposed dam is intended to serve multiple purposes, including domestic water supply, irrigation, livestock production, hydropower generation and flood control, in line with the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen food security, create jobs and improve access to safe water.
“Water is life. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed us to boost food production, create jobs for our youths and women, and make governance more inclusive through strategic water infrastructure,” he added.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda (centre).
In his address, the APC chairman described the proposed dam as a transformational intervention that would unlock the economic potential of Gile and neighbouring communities.
“This is more than water. This is life. It is agriculture, livestock production, a source of livelihood, job creation and wealth for this community,” Yilwatda said.
He explained that the project would include a comprehensive water reticulation network to supply potable water to surrounding communities in Kanke and adjoining local government areas, describing it as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to extending development to rural communities.
According to him, the project would also attract complementary infrastructure such as roads, electricity, schools and healthcare facilities.
“When water comes, roads will come. Electricity will come. People working here will require schools and healthcare facilities. This is not just a water project; it is rural development,” he said.
On his part, Datti reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the project, noting that it has the potential to transform agriculture, livestock production and livelihoods across the area.
Chairman of the Ngas Elders Association, Nde Barde, welcomed the initiative, describing the proposed dam as a strategic investment that would improve access to water for domestic use, irrigation and livestock production in Gyele and several neighbouring communities.
