By Winnifred Momoh
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s dedication to finishing all previously abandoned and inherited infrastructure projects. This commitment was emphasized during his visit to inspect the Ogbese Multi-purpose Dam in Ekiti State.
Construction of the Ogbese Dam, which began in 2009, was halted due to financial constraints. However, Utsev revealed that President Tinubu has recently approved additional funding to advance the project, which aims to provide water, generate hydroelectric power, and support irrigation.
“This administration is committed to completing every abandoned project,” Utsev stated. “We are systematically reviewing and addressing stalled projects to ensure they deliver the promised benefits to Nigerians.”
The dam project is approximately 70% complete, with ongoing efforts focused on installing hydro-power components and finalizing water supply and irrigation facilities. Once finished, the dam is expected to generate around 4 megawatts of electricity and enhance agricultural productivity by improving irrigation.
Utsev highlighted that the project will also create job opportunities and boost food production in the region. “We have already commissioned several dams and water supply schemes across the country,” he noted. “Our goal is to continue these efforts and see this project through to completion.”
Ali Dallah, the ministry’s Director of Dams, added that the funds allocated have enabled significant progress, with the dam poised to serve around 450,000 residents in Ise Ekiti and Ikere Ekiti Local Government Areas.
Project Contractor Mr. Fahd Jammal assured that work would resume promptly once additional funds are provided. The Ogbese Dam, initially awarded in 2009 by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources (now the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation), was designed to alleviate poverty and improve living conditions in both rural and urban areas.
