The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has debunked media reports suggesting a possible collapse of Dadin Kowa Multipurpose Dam in Gombe State.
He described the reports as false and misleading, which he noted was a result of increase in water level at the dam occasioned by recent heavy rains in most parts of the country.
The Minister spoke to newsmen on Wednesday at the dam site in Gombe State, shortly after carrying out assessment of the dam alongside the Honourable Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Barr Bello Goronyo.
Professor Utsev explained that based on the assessment of the components at the dam and what he has seen on ground, the dam was in good condition to serve the intended purposes of irrigation, power generation and flood control with no threat of any collapse even in future.
In a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Terhemen Oraduen, the Minister said all the channels including the spillway and penstock for hydropower were fully opened to regulate the water in the reservoir and generate electricity.
Professor Utsev advised the people to always verify their sources of information and ensure accuracy before going to the press in order not to mislead the public and cause panic.
The Minister said his ministry was carrying out daily monitoring and regular inspection of the dam to ensure its safety and regulate the water levels in the reservoir.
Professor Utsev announced that the Federal Government was working towards implementing the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria SPIN project across the country which encompasses irrigation,dam safety and power
He said that his ministry was also taking necessary measures to guarantee the safety of water infrastructure in the country and undertaking new projects to ensure food security, water supply, sanitation flood control employment generation, and climate change adaptation among others.
On his part, Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Barr Bello Goronyo, said the ministry will continue to protect and safeguard its critical national assets to serve the purpose they were meant for and assured Nigerians of the commitment of government to provide adequate water for irrigation farming and hydropower generation.
Business Development Manager Mabon limited, Mr Jayaharan Paul, said the dam has been supplying hydropower to the national grid and increased power supply within Gombe, Borno and Yobe axis.
The Area Manager Dadin Kowa Multipurpose Dam, Bello Mohammed Bello, explained that the dam was at present supplying water to over two thousand hectares of land for irrigation farming in Gombe, which has scaled up irrigation farming within its catchment area of the host community where the dam is situated.