By Faridat Salifu
The Federal Government has announced a comprehensive plan to restore and reposition dams across Nigeria, with a specific focus on addressing the impact of siltation and maintaining water capacity.
This initiative follows concerns over the reduced water volume at the Ogwashi-Uku Dam in Delta State, which has been significantly affected by silt deposits.
Abiola Oluwatosin, Deputy Director and Geotechnical Divisional Head of the Dams Department at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, disclosed these details during an inspection of the dam.
She led a technical team from the Presidential Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee, established by President Bola Tinubu after severe flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State. The committee is tasked with assessing the structural integrity and operational efficiency of dams nationwide.
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“The committee’s work is critical in evaluating the current condition of dams, particularly in relation to their impact on surrounding communities and the environment,” Oluwatosin said, outlining the scope of the investigation. Experts from key federal ministries, as well as engineering and security agencies, are involved in the assessments.
At the Ogwashi-Uku Dam, which stands 15 metres high with a reservoir capacity of 4 million cubic metres, Oluwatosin confirmed that the dam remains operational despite the siltation.
She stressed the need for further evaluation of the spillway and dam height to prevent potential risks. Operational challenges, particularly in maintenance, were also highlighted.
The Managing Director of the Benin-Owena River Basin Authority, Mr Salin Ahmed, described the dam’s hydropower potential, noting its 1-megawatt capacity, which supplements its water management function.
He added that while the water resources are managed by the Delta State government, the dam’s infrastructure remains under federal oversight.
The committee’s findings will inform the government’s long-term strategy to reinforce dam infrastructure, ensuring water security and reducing the risk of floods in vulnerable areas.
