The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has affirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to complete all abandoned and inherited projects for the benefit of citizens. During an inspection tour on Thursday of the Ogbese Multi-purpose Dam along the Ikere Ekiti – Ise Ekiti Road in Ekiti State, the Minister emphasized the government’s determination to see the project through to completion.
The construction of the Ogbese Dam, which began in 2009, had stalled due to a lack of funding. However, Prof. Utsev announced that President Tinubu has approved the necessary funds to complete the project, which aims to provide water, generate hydro-power, and support irrigation. The Minister assured that the project would soon be completed, noting that about 70% of the work has already been done.
"This administration is not leaving any stone unturned. All abandoned projects will be completed to yield the dividends of democracy to Nigerians," Utsev stated. He highlighted that the dam, once finished, would generate approximately 4 megawatts of electricity, enhance irrigation, boost agriculture, and supply water to the surrounding areas.
The Minister also emphasized the potential job creation and boost in food production that the completion of the dam would bring. He noted that the government had already commissioned several dams and water supply schemes across the country, with ongoing irrigation projects as well.
Ali Dallah, the Director of Dams at the ministry, reported that the available funds had been utilized efficiently, achieving significant progress on the dam. The Project Contractor, Mr. Fahd Jammal, expressed readiness to resume work on the site once additional funds are released.
The Ogbese Multi-purpose Dam project, originally awarded in 2009 by the Federal Government, is a key initiative aimed at alleviating poverty and improving the lives of citizens in both rural and urban areas.
