Kaduna, FG to construct new dam for power, water supply

The General Manager of the state Water Board, Mr Kabiru Rufa’i told newsmen in Kaduna that the dam would also be utilised for irrigation purposes.He said the dam, to be located at Itisi in Kachia Local Governmet, would generate 36 megawatts of electricity and open up 35, 200 hectares for irrigation.“Already, the state government has […]

The General Manager of the state Water Board, Mr Kabiru Rufa’i told newsmen in Kaduna that the dam would also be utilised for irrigation purposes.
He said the dam, to be located at Itisi in Kachia Local Governmet, would generate 36 megawatts of electricity and open up 35, 200 hectares for irrigation.
“Already, the state government has done the preliminary design for the dam while the federal government has concluded the detailed engineering design.
“The contract will hopefully be awarded after the passage of the 2014 budget,’’ the general manager said, adding that  the state government would also evacuate water from the dam to boost supply to residents of Kaduna metropilis.
According to him, the state government is ready to support the project every way possible because of its enormous socioeconomic benefits to the people.
He stressed the determination of Gov. Mukhtar Yero to improve water supply services across the state, saying various expansion programmes were being undertaken in that respect.
“The government has initiated programmes to expand water supply. Water supply is a capital project and is something that you have to look ahead, look at the future.’’
He said part of the intervention included the rehabilitation of water works, extension of pipelines, provision of new generators and diesel to boost water supply particularly to Kaduna, Kafanchan, Zonkwa, Kwoi and Kagoro.
Rufa’i disclosed that the state government had also awarded contract for the construction of boreholes in Birnin Gwari and Saminaka, “to ensure that the people are getting water in the dry season’’.
He explained that residents of the two areas usually encounter hardship in sourcing potable water during the dry season because the dams also dry up during that time.
On Zaria water project, the general manager said 87.5 per cent of the work had been completed, adding that the laying of water pipes within Zaria and environs would be completed by the end of the year.
The project also included the construction of a 150 million litre water treatment plant. (NAN)