FG Plans New Limpye Dam in Plateau to Boost Water Supply, Irrigation, Power Generation
FG Plans New Limpye Dam in Plateau to Boost Water Supply, Irrigation, Power Generation
FG Plans New Limpye Dam in Plateau to Boost Water Supply, Irrigation, Power Generation
The Federal Government has announced plans to construct a new multipurpose dam at Limpye in Ampang East District of Kanke Local Government Area, Plateau State, as part of efforts to expand access to potable water, strengthen irrigation agriculture and increase power generation in the North-Central region.
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, disclosed this during an assessment visit to the proposed dam site, where he was accompanied by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, FNSE; the Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations and Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah, FNSE; and other technical experts.
Prof. Utsev explained that the proposed Limpye Dam is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to harness the country’s water resources for economic development, food security, improved livelihoods and energy generation.
According to the Minister, the project will commence following the completion of feasibility studies, detailed engineering designs and approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
He said the dam, when completed, would provide clean and sustainable water to communities in Kanke and neighbouring areas, support irrigation farming, create employment opportunities, particularly for women and young people, and contribute to hydropower generation for the national grid.
Mangu Dam Nears Completion
The Minister also announced that the Mangu Dam in Pankshin Local Government Area has reached about 90 per cent completion, assuring that the project would soon be completed and commissioned.
He noted that the Mangu Dam is designed to provide potable water, support irrigation and contribute to hydropower generation, thereby strengthening the economic potential of communities in the area.
Prof. Utsev further disclosed that the Federal Government is developing dams along the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway corridor to support domestic water supply, promote all-season agriculture, reduce farmer-herder conflicts and improve electricity generation.
On the Alau Dam in Borno State, the Minister said rehabilitation work was ongoing, while several other dam projects across the country were at various advanced stages of completion.
Limpye Dam to Transform Communities
The Minister said the proposed Limpye Dam would have significant socioeconomic benefits for communities that have historically faced challenges accessing reliable water infrastructure.
He explained that improved water availability would enhance agricultural production, support livestock development, create new economic opportunities and strengthen the resilience of rural communities.
Prof. Utsev commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the water resources and sanitation sector, assuring that the Ministry would continue working towards delivering projects capable of improving the quality of life of Nigerians.
Yilwatda: Project Will Open New Economic Opportunities
Speaking during the assessment visit, APC National Chairman, Engr. Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, said the proposed Kanke Dam, together with an extensive water reticulation network, would help address longstanding water challenges in the area.
He said the planned reticulation would extend from Limpye to Lantan and other communities within the local government, bringing potable water to areas that have never had access to reliable pipe-borne water.
Yilwatda added that the project could also improve electricity generation, road connectivity, agricultural production, employment and tourism opportunities across the area.
He described the planned intervention as part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to promote rural development, infrastructure renewal and inclusive economic growth.
Technical Assessment to Determine Project Viability
Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah, FNSE, explained that the visit constituted a pre-feasibility assessment aimed at determining the suitability of the proposed site for the construction of the Limpye Dam.
He said further technical missions would be undertaken to conduct detailed feasibility studies, engineering designs and other assessments required before the project can proceed to the construction stage.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Hon. Bashir Lawanndi Datti, commended the Federal Government for the proposed intervention, describing it as a potentially transformative project capable of improving livelihoods and economic activities across Plateau State.
Traditional Institution Backs Project
Earlier, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Golong Ngas, Chief Jika Golit, to formally inform the traditional institution about the proposed project and seek its support for successful implementation.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the Federal Government delegation to engage with traditional authorities and local stakeholders on the potential benefits of the project to surrounding communities.
The visit ended on a colourful note as the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation was decorated with the traditional regalia of the Ngas people of Pankshin Local Government Area and Dungung District of Kanke Local Government Area.
The proposed Limpye Dam, alongside ongoing projects such as the Mangu Dam and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, reflects the Federal Government’s broader push to utilise Nigeria’s water resources to strengthen food security, rural development, potable water supply, renewable energy and sustainable economic growth.
FG Plans New Limpye Dam in Plateau to Boost Water Supply, Irrigation, Power Generation
