From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos
The Federal Government has taken steps to construct a multipurpose dam in Gile community, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, in a bid to tackle decades of water scarcity and drive rural development across the area.
The project, which is expected to provide potable water, irrigation, livestock support, electricity and access roads, was announced during an inspection of the proposed site by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev.
Utsev said the project forms part of the Federal Government’s broader push to expand water infrastructure nationwide for food production, employment and improved access to potable water.
“We are here for a site assessment. After this, technical teams and consultants will carry out feasibility studies and designs to determine the size, cost and duration of the project,” the minister said.
He said the dam would serve multiple purposes, including irrigation, domestic water supply, livestock production, hydropower generation and flood control.
“Water means life. This project will significantly improve agriculture, livestock production and the livelihood of the people,” he said.
Speaking, National Chairman of All Progressives Party, APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda said the dam would go beyond water supply to open up the economic potential of Gile and neighbouring communities.
“This is more than water. It is life, agriculture, livestock production, jobs and wealth for this community,” he said.
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He added that the project would extend to surrounding communities through a water reticulation network and would likely attract other infrastructure such as roads, electricity, schools and health facilities.
“This is what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing by taking development to rural communities,” he said.
On his part, Plateau State Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Bashir Lawandi Datti.
Datti pledged the Plateau State Government’s support for the project, saying it would boost agriculture and improve livelihoods.
Chairman of the Ngas Elders Association, Nde Gideon Barde, described the proposal as a strategic investment that would benefit several neighbouring communities through improved access to water for domestic use, farming and livestock production.
Our correspondent reports that the Minister was accompanied by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the Plateau State Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Bashir Lawandi Datti and other stakeholders.