The Federal Government has announced plans to construct a new dam in Limpye, Ampang East District of Kanke Local Government Area, Plateau State, to boost water supply, irrigation, and power generation in the North-Central region.
The disclosure was made by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, during an assessment visit to the proposed site.
He was accompanied by APC National Chairman, Engr. Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and the Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah.
Prof. Utsev said the visit was carried out on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assess dams nationwide for rehabilitation and new development.
He explained that the Limpye Dam project will commence after feasibility studies, detailed designs, and approval by the Federal Executive Council, FEC.
According to him, the dam will provide clean and sustainable water to Kanke and surrounding communities, enhance irrigation farming, create jobs for women and youths, and increase hydropower generation for the national grid.
The Minister, in a statement by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director, Information and Public Relations, also assured that the Mangu Dam in Pankshin LGA, which is 90 per cent completed, will soon be completed and commissioned.
He said the dam is designed to support irrigation, hydropower generation, and potable water supply.
He further disclosed that dams being constructed along the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway corridor are intended to provide domestic water, reduce farmer-herder conflicts, promote all-season agriculture, and improve electricity generation.
On the Alau Dam in Borno State, Prof. Utsev said rehabilitation works are ongoing, while several other dams across the country are at advanced stages of completion.
Speaking during the visit, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda said the Kanke Dam, upon completion and reticulation, would address water challenges, boost electricity, improve road access, create economic opportunities, and serve as a tourist attraction.
"The reticulation is not for Kanke alone. It will extend from Limpye to Lantan and back into the Local Government Area, providing potable water to communities that have never had access to pipe-borne water," he said.
He added that the Tinubu administration has prioritised Plateau and the entire North-Central through legacy projects, and urged citizens to continue supporting the government with prayers.
The Director of Dams, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah, said the visit was a pre-feasibility assessment to determine the suitability of the Limpye site.
He noted that subsequent visits will cover detailed feasibility studies and engineering designs.
Plateau State Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Hon. Bashir Lawanndi Datti, described the projects as critical interventions that will improve livelihoods in the state.
Earlier, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Golong Ngas, Chief Jika Golit, to formally notify him and seek traditional support.
The high point of the visit was the decoration of Minister Utsev with the traditional regalia of the Ngas people of Pankshin and Dungung District of Kanke.