The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utsev, has, assured the Ogbese Multi-purpose Dam in Ekiti State after completion would boost food production, job creation and enhance economic growth in accordance with the ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda of the Tinubu-led administration.
Utsev gave the assurance during inspection of work at the dam, which he said remains a top priority by President Tinubu, stating that it will provide four megawatts of electricity, support irrigation for agricultural activities, enhance water supply for domestic and industrial uses, boost agribusinesses along various chains, and foster fishery development for Ogbese, Ise, Orun, and surrounding communities.
He also explained that he and his team were on a three-day fact-finding tour of the Ministry’s projects in the South West region, based on the President’s directive to identify and complete all outstanding projects under the Ministry in order to combat poverty, create jobs, and ensure food security for Nigerians.
Meanwhile, he applauded the people of Ogbese and surrounding areas for their support to the project and encouraged them to engage in the partial commercialization of the River Basin Development Authority to maximize its benefits.
The Minister explained that with the project at 70 per cent completion, the hydropower components will be swiftly installed as the equipment is already on site, which the Federal Government has approved funds for the components while the all turbines were in place and ready for installation.
