The Federal Government has commenced a preliminary assessment for the proposed construction of a multipurpose dam in Gyele community, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, a project expected to improve access to potable water, expand irrigation, support livestock production and drive rural development.
Gatekeepers News reports that the assessment began with an inspection of the proposed project site by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, alongside the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, and the Plateau State Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Bashir Datti.
Speaking during the inspection, Utsev said the visit marked the first phase of the project, explaining that technical experts would now undertake feasibility studies and engineering designs before construction can commence.
“This is a site assessment. After this visit, technical teams and consultants will carry out detailed feasibility studies and designs to determine the size, cost and duration of the project before construction begins,” the minister said.
According to Utsev, the proposed dam is designed to serve multiple purposes, including domestic water supply, irrigation, livestock production, hydropower generation and flood control, in line with the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen food security, create jobs and improve access to safe water.
“Water is life. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed us to boost food production, create jobs for our youths and women, and make governance more inclusive through strategic water infrastructure,” he added.
Also speaking, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda described the proposed dam as a transformative project that would unlock the economic potential of Gyele and neighbouring communities.
“This is more than water. This is life. It is agriculture, livestock production, a source of livelihood, job creation and wealth for this community,” Yilwatda said.
He explained that the project would include a comprehensive water reticulation network to provide potable water to communities in Kanke and adjoining local government areas, describing it as part of the Federal Government’s broader commitment to rural development.
According to him, the project is also expected to attract complementary infrastructure, including roads, electricity, schools and healthcare facilities.
“When water comes, roads will come. Electricity will come. People working here will require schools and healthcare facilities. This is not just a water project; it is rural development,” he said.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Bashir Datti, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the project, saying it has the potential to transform agriculture, livestock production and livelihoods across the area.
Chairman of the Ngas Elders Association, Nde Barde, welcomed the initiative, describing the proposed dam as a strategic investment that would improve access to water for domestic use, irrigation and livestock production in Gyele and surrounding communities.
