30 March 2014, Abuja – The Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, said in Bauchi on Saturday that the proposed Mambila dam in Taraba state would create about 200,000 job opportunities when completed.
Speaking during the North East Zonal rally of the PDP, the minister said that the Federal Government had concluded plans for the construction of the dam.
“The study for the dam has been completed and the project is expected to commence soon.
“Seven billion dollars would be spent in constructing the dam, which would be the largest hydro-electric dam project in the continent, “he said.
He said that when completed, the dam was expected to generate over 3,000 megawatts of electricity, to stabilize power supply in the country.
Maku also said that the ongoing construction of Kashinbilla dam, also in Taraba State, was almost completed.
He said that the dam was expected to generate 40 megawatts of electricity, in addition to providing water for irrigation, industrial and domestic purposes.
“These projects will completely transform the economies of the north east zone, the northern region and the entire nation,” he said.
He added that the job opportunities that would be created by the two dams would go a long way in reducing security challenges caused by youths idleness.
“Lack of employment opportunities is posing serious security challenges in the country, especially in the north east.
“We want to see how we can continually create employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.
“I assure you that President Jonathan led administration, would not relent in its effort towards building a strong and united nation, through youth empowerment,” the minister said.
– The Punch
