The Federal Government has announced plans to construct a new dam in Limpye, Ampang East District of Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State to improve water supply, irrigation and electricity generation in the North-Central region. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, disclosed this during an assessment visit to the proposed project site on Monday.

The minister, accompanied by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and senior ministry officials, said the visit followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to assess dams nationwide for rehabilitation and development. He also assured that the Mangu Dam in Pankshin Local Government Area, now about 90 per cent completed, would soon be completed and commissioned.

‎Utsev explained that construction of the Limpye Dam would begin after feasibility studies, detailed engineering designs and approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). He said the project is expected to provide potable water to communities in Kanke and neighbouring areas, support irrigation farming, create jobs for women and youths, and boost hydropower generation.

‎The minister added that ongoing dam projects, including those along the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway corridor, are designed to improve domestic water supply, promote year-round farming, reduce farmer-herder conflicts and enhance electricity generation. He also disclosed that rehabilitation works are progressing at the Alau Dam in Borno State, while several other dam projects across the country are nearing completion.

‎Speaking during the visit, APC National Chairman, Engr. Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, said the proposed Kanke Dam would significantly improve access to potable water through an extensive reticulation network linking Limpye, Lantan and surrounding communities. He added that the project would also stimulate economic activities, improve road access, increase electricity generation and promote tourism in the area.

‎The Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah, said the inspection was a pre-feasibility assessment to determine the suitability of the proposed site. He explained that detailed feasibility studies, engineering designs and technical reports would precede the commencement of construction. Plateau State Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Bashir Lawanndi Datti, described the projects as critical interventions that would improve the livelihoods of residents.

‎The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Golong Ngas, Chief Jika Golit, to seek the support of the traditional institution for the successful implementation of the project. The visit ended with the minister being honoured with the traditional regalia of the Ngas people of Pankshin Local Government Area and Dungung District of Kanke Local Government Area.