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The Federal Government has assured residents of Goronyo and its surrounding communities that the Goronyo Dam remains safe and structurally sound, following a comprehensive inspection to address concerns over potential flooding.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev, provided the reassurance on Tuesday during a visit to the dam site in Keta, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Leading a technical team as part of the Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee on Dam Evaluation, Utsev affirmed that the visit aimed to ensure that Nigeria’s dams are well maintained and able to serve their purpose effectively.
President Bola Tinubu set up the committee in response to the recent flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, which sparked renewed focus on the condition of Nigeria’s dams.
The committee comprises representatives from various ministries, including Environment, Housing, Works, Budget and National Planning, Information, and Finance.
Represented by Mrs. Oluwatosin Abiola, Deputy Director of Dams and Reservoirs at the Ministry of Water Resources, the minister assured residents that the Goronyo Dam is not at risk, stating that all safety measures are in place.
“Following a detailed evaluation of the dam’s facilities, we are confident that Goronyo Dam is stable and safe,” Abiola said.
Located in the Keta community, the Goronyo Dam has a holding capacity of about 942 million cubic metres and spans roughly 12.5 kilometres in length.
Abiola noted that the dam’s gates and structural protections are in proper condition, assuring residents that there is “no cause for alarm.”
“Our inspection revealed that the dam’s protective systems, gates, and sand barriers are intact and functioning as required by safety protocols,” she added.
Abiola highlighted that the committee’s findings would play a crucial role in addressing any structural challenges facing Nigeria’s dams, ensuring their reliability for years to come.
