The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, has reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s dedication to completing all abandoned and inherited projects in the interest of citizens.
During an inspection of the Ogbese Multi-purpose Dam on Thursday, located along the Ikere Ekiti – Ise Ekiti Road in Ekiti State, Professor Utsev emphasized the government’s commitment to the project, which has been stalled since its inception in 2009 due to funding challenges.
“This administration is not leaving any stone unturned,” Utsev declared. “All projects that have been abandoned will be completed.
We are conducting a nationwide review of such projects to ensure that, once finished, they deliver the dividends of democracy to Nigerians.”
The Ogbese Dam, when completed, is expected to serve multiple purposes, including water supply, hydro-power generation, and irrigation.
Utsev noted that President Tinubu had already approved the necessary funds to advance the project.
“The approval of funds has enabled the delivery of turbine materials, which are now on-site,” he said.
He also shared that the dam, upon completion, would generate approximately 4 megawatts of electricity, significantly boost agriculture through enhanced irrigation, and provide water supply to local communities.
The minister confirmed that about 70% of the project has been completed, with the hydro-power component nearing completion.
The subsequent phases, focusing on water supply and irrigation, are also set to follow.
“This project will create jobs for our youth and significantly boost food production,” Utsev added, citing the successful commissioning of three other dams in Kogi, Benue, and Jigawa states, along with several water supply schemes and irrigation projects across the country.
Ali Dallah, the Director of Dams at the ministry, corroborated the minister’s statements, saying, “With the funds provided, we have achieved 70% completion.
The dam, once finished, will generate 4 megawatts of electricity and supply water to 450,000 people in Ise Ekiti and Ikere Ekiti Local Government Areas.”
The Project Contractor, Mr. Fahd Jammal, expressed readiness to resume work as soon as additional funds are made available.
The Ogbese Multi-purpose Dam, awarded by the Federal Government in 2009, aims to alleviate poverty and significantly improve the lives of residents in both rural and urban areas.
