Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Ogbese multipurpose dam will provide 4MW of electricity, support irrigation, enhance water supply, aid farmers, and foster fishery development for surrounding communities, according to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev.
The Minister during his inspection of the dam’s progress at the weekend, highlighted that the project was 70% complete and assured that the hydropower components will be swiftly installed, with all turbines in place and ready for installation.
He announced that the Federal Government has approved funds for the components, noting that electricity generated will cover the entire state, while the water supply component would provide water for 450,000 residents of Ikere and Ise LGAs of Ekiti State.
The Minister explained that he was on a three-day fact-finding tour of the Ministry’s projects in the South West, following President Tinubu’s directive to identify and complete all outstanding projects to combat poverty, create jobs, and ensure food security.
He lauded the people of Ogbese and surrounding areas for their support to the project and encouraged them to engage in the partial commercialization of the River Basin Development Authority to maximize its benefits.
Earlier, Director of Dams and Reservoirs, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Alli Dallah, briefed the Minister on the project’s progress, noting that the turbines, cooling systems, generators, and other hydropower components are ready for installation.
Dallah further disclosed that the water supply component is intended to provide water for 450,000 residents of Ikere and Ise LGAs of Ekiti State, while the 4-megawatt hydropower generation will cover the entire state.
Similarly, the project contractor, Engr. Fahd Jamal, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for prioritizing the project’s completion and assured that the job would be completed within the approved timeframe.
