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By Aliyu Bala Gerengi, Gombe
The Kaduna State Project Coordinator of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria, (SPiN), Project, Engineer Hashimu Usman Ja’afaru, has described Kangimi Dam as structurally sound and stable; following an assessment conducted by the Dam Safety Review Panel of Experts, of the National Coordinating Office of the SPIN Project.
The Assessment team were at the Kangimi Dam for a safety assessment Mission to independently assess its current status, identify critical Dam safety issues and Risk, and provide recommendations to guide the planning and implementation of Dam Safety Rehabilitation measures under the SPIN Project.
Engineer Usman gave the assurance while speaking to journalists shortly after leading the team on an inspection tour of the Kangimi Dam in Kaduna.
According to him, the assessment was conducted as part of efforts to ascertain the safety and structural integrity of the dam and identify areas that may require rehabilitation or further intervention.
“We are here today with a team of specialists in Dam assessment and experts from the World Bank to assess the safety of the dam,” Engineer Usman said.
He explained that the preliminary findings of the assessment indicated that the dam is stable and in good condition.
“The survey shows that the Dam is stable and in good shape. In fact, the Dam is in better and stronger condition than some other Dams in other states,” he said.
The Project Coordinator further assured residents and communities around the Dam that the main structure remains in good condition.
Dam Safety Assessment:
The inspection formed part of the periodic Dam Safety Review (DSR) being undertaken under the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPiN), Project.
The assessment team comprises Dam safety specialists, engineers, technical personnel and other experts, including representatives associated with the World Bank.
Improving Water Management and Dam Safety.
Engineer
Usman said the SPiN Project was designed to improve water management, strengthen irrigation systems and enhance the safety and sustainability of dams across Nigeria.
He noted that effective water management and safe irrigation infrastructure were essential to improving agricultural productivity and supporting communities that depend on water resources for their livelihoods.
Farmers, Communities Welcome Intervention
Meanwhile, farmers and communities living around Kangimi Dam have expressed optimism over the project and its potential impact on agriculture and livelihoods in the area.
Some residents said they welcomed the government’s intervention and expressed hope that improved irrigation infrastructure and water management would boost farming activities and contribute to the socio-economic development of surrounding communities.
Science journalists and environmental reporters who accompanied the technical team during the field assessment also expressed satisfaction with the condition of the dam.
They urged the public to disregard unverified rumours concerning the structural integrity of Kangimi Dam, stressing that the safety of critical infrastructure should be determined through professional technical assessments and credible findings rather than speculation.
The assessment is expected to provide further technical guidance on the continued safe operation, maintenance and possible rehabilitation of the Kangimi Dam.
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