Kashimbilla multipurpose dam attains water diversion stage

The upstream and downstream of River Katsina Ala were blocked at the initial stage of the work to allow passage of water through other channels. The project consultant Engr. Musa Ayanwola while briefing officials of the Ministry of Water Resources at the site, described water diversion as the critical aspect of dam construction.He said the […]

The upstream and downstream of River Katsina Ala were blocked at the initial stage of the work to allow passage of water through other channels.
The project consultant Engr. Musa Ayanwola while briefing officials of the Ministry of Water Resources at the site, described water diversion as the critical aspect of dam construction.
He said the exercise would enhance prompt completion of the project as it would allow engineers to work within the river channel. “Without good diversion all the work that we are going to do in the river channel can be washed away,” he said, adding that the exercise is crucial to the completion of the project.
He explained: “In dam construction, we have two major diversions, this one that we are about to do now is to enable us work within the river channel, by the grace of God at the end to the construction within the river channel the dam will almost be ready for closure, that will be the second diversion.”
In her address, the Minister of Water Resources Mrs. Sarah Reng Ochekpe reiterated the resolve of the administration to ensuring that the dam is completed and put to use, adding that when completed, it would provide water to Takum Local Government Area and its environs with addendum to its ability to irrigate about 2, 000 hectares of land.
The minister, who was represented by the Director Irrigation and Drainage, Engr. Joe Kwanashie, said the dam, designed to contain 500 million cubic metres of water, would forestall the probable emission of poisonous gas and flooding from Lake Nyos in Cameroun should it break down.    
She said the dam would add 40 megawatts to the national grid through its hydropower component this year.
 “The dam will provide water for irrigation of about 2,000 hectares of land, and with that kind of land under cultivation all year round, it will improve the economy of this area and enhance food security, it will reduce dependency on food importation,” she said.
The Director of Dams and Reservoir Operation, Reginald Ikpeawujo, while commending the contractors said all turbines and other equipment for the hydropower component are in place, assuring that the project would be completed by the end of the year.