By CHUKWUMA OFILI
Comprehensive Assessment Aims to Address Challenges in Dam Construction
Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has dispatched technical experts to Imo State to assess the condition of various dams and develop a robust action plan to tackle the challenges associated with dam construction and management. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure the structural integrity, safety, and effectiveness of dams across Nigeria.
Objectives of the Technical Assessment
Abiola Oluwatosin, the Deputy Director and head of the technical division within the ministry, shared details of the initiative during a briefing in Owerri. She stated, “The technical subcommittee inaugurated by the Water Resources and Sanitation minister is in the South-East to critically analyze the structural integrity of dams in Nigeria.”
The assessment aims to evaluate not only the physical structures of the dams but also the environmental and social impacts on local communities, particularly focusing on riparian areas. This comprehensive approach seeks to ensure that dam projects are beneficial and sustainable for the surrounding populations.
Key Areas of Focus
Oluwatosin elaborated on the goals of the technical visit, emphasizing the need for a robust action plan that addresses critical issues such as:
- Flooding Management: Developing strategies to mitigate flood risks and enhance community safety.
- Irrigation Solutions: Improving agricultural productivity through effective irrigation practices.
- Power Supply and Hydropower Development: Exploring opportunities for harnessing hydropower to support energy needs in the country.
The technical team has already visited the Ivo and Adada dams in Enugu State, as well as the Amauzari and Inyishi dams in Imo State, gathering essential data for their evaluation.
Inter-ministerial Collaboration
The initiative is part of a larger framework established by President Bola Tinubu, who earlier this month inaugurated an Inter-ministerial Technical Committee focused on evaluating dams across Nigeria. The committee, led by Minister Utsev, includes prominent figures such as:
- Wale Edun – Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy
- Mohammed Idris – Minister of Information and National Orientation
- Atiku Bagudu – Minister of Budget and Economic Planning
- Dave Umahi – Minister of Works
- Nuhu Ribadu – National Security Adviser
- Musa – Minister of Housing and Urban Development
This collaborative effort aims to assess the physical conditions of dams nationwide, ensuring their safety and evaluating their impact on local communities.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Sustainable Water Management
The evaluation of dams in Imo and other regions reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing water resources management, ensuring infrastructure safety, and fostering community well-being. By addressing the structural integrity and environmental impact of these critical facilities, the Nigerian government seeks to create a sustainable framework for managing water resources that benefits both the economy and local communities.
