Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro Dams Underutilised, Says Niger Govt

Laleye Dipo in Minna

The Niger State Government has said the three major hydroelectric dams in the state-Kainji, Jebba and Shiroro-are being underutilised as only 30 percent of the dams installed capacities are being used for power generation leaving the remaining 70 percent fallow.

The state Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, made this known in Minna last Tuesday when he received on behalf of the state Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, at Government House.

Garba said despite the huge potential of the dams, the state still faces problems of adequate water supply for domestic and irrigation purposes, adding that the state is also facing challenges with its water works, calling on the federal government to assist it to overcome the problems.

Earlier, the minister had called on state governments in the country to provide land to the 12 river basins in the country  for irrigation farming in order for the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu policy on sustainable farming to be achieved.

He said: “As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed, all hands must be on deck to ensure maximum food security in the country, therefore, it is not going to be business as usual.

The minister called on state governments to also venture into the creation of irrigation facilities and encourage people of their states to key into irrigation farming to boost food production in the country.

According to him, “We are not relenting to see that the emergency placed on food production is achieved in line with the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He pledged more collaboration with the state government, saying UNRBDA has a dam capable of supplying water to Agaie and Lapai towns and dams in Gbako and Egbea Gaba for irrigation as well as water supply to the people, and will therefore need the collaboration of the state government.

The minister disclosed that he had  given targets to the managing directors of the River Basin  Development Authorities to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda by engaging in wet and dry season farming to improve food production.

During the visit to the state, he inaugurated the 879 metres Rafin-Yashin road and Rafin-Yashin irrigation scheme, as well as the concrete reservoir that will supply water to Rafin-Yashin irrigation scheme and Songhai farm.