*Plans Hydropower, Irrigation Farming In The Area
Facilitating good source of water, the Federal Government on Friday said it has taken steps to tackle perennial water scarcity in the Benue South Senatorial district also known as zone C.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Engr Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, while receiving the Benue South APC Elders Forum who visited him in his office in Abuja.
In a statement issued by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Terhemen Oraduen, the Minister listed the steps taken including conducting a geophysical survey and identifying communities across the nine local governments for sinking of boreholes.
The boreholes sinking, he said, will commence soon.
Professor Utsev also revealed that his ministry was sourcing more funds for completion of Otobi Multipurpose Dam.
According to him, the capacity to generate hydropower for the zone and boost irrigation farming in the area will be improved when the Otobi Multipurpose Dam project is completed.
He told the Elders Forum of his plans to personally visit the zone and identify some of the challenges facing the people with a view to addressing them.
Disclosing that some of the sons and daughters from the zone were already working with him in key positions, the Minister promised that more will be considered for Executive positions and Boards under the Ministry as soon as it is approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He appealed to them to continue to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume and himself to succeed as well as offer prayers for peace and progress of Benue State.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Benue South APC Elders Forum, Chief Agbo Ogah, Commissioner, National Populations Commission in charge of Benue, Mrs Patricia Kupchi and former APC Chairman in Benue State, Comrade Abba Yaro explained that the visit was to congratulate Professor Utsev on his appointment and to appreciate him for the good works he is doing for the country.
They said the visit was also to pledged their support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator George Akume and the Minister, for them to succeed.
They appealed to the Minister to intervene in the water challenges facing the zone, facilitate employment for their sons and daughters into Federal Civil Service, consider them for appointments into key Federal positions and extend more empowerment programmes to zone C in order to enable them have a sense of belonging.