Kano Dams in Bad Shape, Need Urgent Attention, Gov Yusuf Raises Alarm

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Kano state Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has raised the alarm that no fewer than 21 large and small dams in the state are in deplorable shape, and requires urgent attention and intervention of the federal government.

Yusuf called for help yesterday during a courtesy call by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumum Utsav, at the Government House in Kano.

The state governor represented by his Deputy, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, said the state government has drafted a panel of experts to assess the current situation of the 21 dams which are over 40 to 60 years old.

He said: “We have about 21 dams ranging from large and small purpose dams to boost irrigation farming aimed at providing sufficient food, employment, portable drinking water and others in the state.

“We urged the federal government to intervene in this aspect-Kafin Chiri Dam, Tiga Dam, Fada Marashi, Magaga Dam, Tiga Dam, Karaye Dam, and Thomas Dam, which have not been distilled for over 40 to 60 years.

“However, we have done our part despite the meager resources at our disposal, so that is why we need urgent intervention of the federal government and international partners, to come in and assist us in distilling these dams for irrigation and other purposes.”

In his remarks, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Professor Utsav said he was in Kano State on a familiarisation tour to all the ongoing projects under the ministry through the Hadejia Jam’are River Basin Development Authority.

The minister said: “During my familiarisation tour in Kano State, I will visit the irrigation dams to see how they are working in order to find lasting solutions to their challenges.

“Our economy cannot be effectively achieved without adequate support from the water and sanitation sector.”