Experts call for construction of more dams

This was part of the 10-point resolution adopted at the end of the conference held in Calabar, Cross River State which attracted stakeholders from the nation’s water sector.A statement from the organizers said that participants also called for the management of water resources within what they called “hydrologically bounded catchments’’ without political interference, to avoid […]

This was part of the 10-point resolution adopted at the end of the conference held in Calabar, Cross River State which attracted stakeholders from the nation’s water sector.
A statement from the organizers said that participants also called for the management of water resources within what they called “hydrologically bounded catchments’’ without political interference, to avoid conflicts and waste of resources.
“There is need for energy generation as a vital component of all major dam projects in Nigeria, to boost rapid industrial development and socio-economic advancement,” it said.
While noting the existence of more than 200 dams in Nigeria currently, the conference emphasized on the need to complete all the downstream structures with adequate involvement of the host communities, for their maximum utilization for food security and youth employment.
The resolution also called for adequate funding of research and development in the water sector in order to develop appropriate technologies and techniques in water resources management.
“Emphasis should be given to stakeholder’s participation and involvement in the planning and execution of water resources programmes and schemes for sustainability,” the resolution said.
The conference themed, “Water Cooperation – Building Partnerships’’, is to encourage dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation on water issues among stakeholders at all levels. It drew participants from across the country.