Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has signed a ₦30 billion contract aimed at resolving the state’s persistent water challenges, with a focus on improving water supply and distribution in the southern zone, which comprises six Local Government Areas (LGAs), okaynews.com reports.
During the contract signing on Friday, Governor Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s dedication to finding a lasting solution to the state’s water crisis. The project is being carried out under the Plateau State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) project, a World Bank-funded initiative in partnership with the Plateau State Government.
Mutfwang explained that the contract is a critical step in addressing the severe water scarcity in the southern senatorial district within the next 30 months. He acknowledged the dilapidated state of the water sector he inherited, particularly the Yakubu Gowon Dam, which has suffered from years of neglect, resulting in an erratic water supply in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis.
“We are working tirelessly to fix the problem. Each time we address one issue, another emerges, but we are tackling it holistically. By God’s grace, within the next six months, we aim to resolve the challenges surrounding the Yakubu Gowon Dam and other key dams within the metropolis,” Mutfwang assured.
He emphasized the urgency of addressing the acute water shortage in the southern zone, noting that the project is financed through a World Bank loan aimed at combating desertification, ensuring sustainable water supply, and restoring the environment.
The project encompasses the desilting of Dams One and Two in Langtang North, constructing hedge rows to minimize future siltation, maintaining washout embankments, and planting vegetation to prevent erosion and land degradation. These measures are expected to ensure a stable water supply for the affected communities.
ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Garba Gonkol, praised Mutfwang for prioritizing impactful projects, highlighting the unprecedented commitment to resolving water challenges in Plateau State. Project Engineer and Contractor, Akin Fagbohun, pledged to complete the project within the 30-month timeframe.
