Hope has been rekindled for residents of Otukpo and surrounding communities in Benue State following assurances by the Federal Government on the timely completion of the Otukpo Multipurpose Dam.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, gave the assurance during an inspection of the dam project located at Otobi Akpa in Otukpo Local Government Area, as part of his nationwide tour of dams, irrigation, water supply, and sanitation facilities.

Prof. Utsev said the inspection was in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assess water infrastructure across the country, identify challenges, and fast-track solutions aimed at improving access to water and sanitation for Nigerians.

According to him, the President had given a clear mandate to ensure that outstanding and critical water projects are completed to make life more meaningful for citizens.

He explained that the ongoing inspection tour was designed to evaluate dams yet to be completed, facilities affected by siltation, and projects facing structural or operational risks, with a view to initiating urgent interventions where necessary.
The Minister noted that upon completion, the Otukpo Multipurpose Dam would deliver far-reaching benefits to the region, including a reservoir capacity of about 130 million cubic metres, a 3.3-megawatt hydroelectric power plant, potable water supply, irrigation for about 2,000 hectares of farmland, and the construction of 13 kilometres of internal access roads.

He added that the project would also generate employment, boost agricultural productivity, support power generation, and enhance tourism.

He disclosed that the scope of work covers the construction of a 22-metre-high earth-fill embankment spanning over 2.4 kilometres, ground exploration works, a stepped concrete spillway and bridge, inlet and outlet structures, hydroelectric power facilities, and a 13.3-kilometre access road.

Prof. Utsev further stated that technical assessments of the aquifer system in Zone C of Benue State had shown that completing the Otukpo Dam remained the most sustainable solution to the area’s water challenges. He added that water from the dam would not only serve communities in Zone C but would also be extended to parts of Zone B.
Reassuring residents, the Minister said President Tinubu is responsive to the needs of Nigerians and is committed to addressing their concerns.

He stressed that the inspection was aimed at determining the level of outstanding works to enable the immediate resumption and completion of the project. He urged the people to continue supporting the administration, assuring them that all necessary measures would be put in place to ensure the project’s timely delivery.

During the visit, the Minister and his delegation paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Akpa District, Otukpo Local Government Area, Chief Wilson Ahola, where he reiterated that the President had specifically directed him to visit the dam in view of the prevailing water challenges in the area and to ensure lasting solutions.
He also assured the community that issues hindering the speedy completion of the project, including security concerns, would be vigorously addressed, while encouraging residents to participate actively in the ongoing national e-registration exercise.
Responding, the Head of Otobi Ward, Chief Pius Aholah, commended the Minister and his team for the visit and appreciated the President’s message of goodwill to the people.

He, however, raised concerns over repeated attacks by unknown gunmen in the area and appealed for the urgent establishment of a police post to improve security.

The Minister was accompanied on the inspection by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Emanso Umobong, directors of relevant departments, and other senior officials.