Niger Delta
FG To Spend N3.3b On Qua Fall Dam
The Federal Government is to spend N3.3 billion on the construction of Qua Fall and Irrigation project at Akamkpa, Cross River.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Mr Godknows Igali, made the plan known last Monday at the launch of the construction of the dam and irrigation project in Akamkpa.
According to Igali, the project’s design includes the construction of an earth-fill embankment dam, which is 26m high and 530 metres long.
He said that the project would provide a reservoir with capacity for 68 million cubic metres of raw water.
According to him, the project will provide hydropower component of about 16 megawatts with a potential of 36 megawatts when Ikpan dam is constructed and connected through a diversion canal of approximately 4.3km long.
“The construction of the dam was awarded at cost of N3.3 billion to Messrs Infiouest International Limited.
“A supervising consultant, Damtech Nigeria ltd is expected to complete the project in 24 months with a 12-month maintenance period,“ Igali said.
He said that the project was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to sustain development of Nigeria’s natural resources for the economic empowerment of the people.
“The construction of the Qua Fall dam marks our resolve in ensuring rural transformation through its multipurpose use for water supply, food production, hydro-electric power generation, tourism, employment creation and food security.“
Igali said that the Qua falls multipurpose dam was designed to supply water to several communities and 500 hectares of farmlands downstream of the dam.
Sen. Ewa Henshaw (PDP-Cross River South) said that the Qua fall project when completed would provide potable water for people of the area.
He said the project was to complement the effort of the state government in the provision of critical infrastructure and social amenities to the people of the state.
Henshaw said that there was a big water scheme in Biakpa in Biase Local Government Area, which cost N450 million.
He said that the project would provide more than 1,000 jobs for youths and women in the area.
“This project if succeeded will put over 1,000 Cross River families in employment,’’ he said.
Henshaw said that the project would provide irrigation for about 2,000 hectares for dry season farming, fishery, recreation, tourism facilities and electricity generation.
Earlier, Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River said that the project if properly executed, the people of Akamkpa would have tremendous economic benefit and multiplier effects on the economy.
Imoke said that the two faces of the project when completed, the state would be an island with steady electricity supply.
He urged the communities to cooperate with the contractor in respect of youth restiveness, community unrest and unreasonable demands.
Imoke assured the contractors and the Federal Government that they would not experience any delay in the execution of the job and urged the ministry to complete the project within 24 months.
Mr Denis Nkiri, the Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Area, said the dam was capable of turning around the agricultural fortunes of the people.
Nkiri advised the company to liaise with the council, especially on issues dealing with the communities and security.
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