By Israel Adamu, Jos
The Federal Government has commenced plans to develop a multipurpose dam in Gile community, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, as part of efforts to improve access to potable water, support agriculture and expand rural infrastructure.
The proposed project was announced during an inspection visit to the site by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, alongside the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the Plateau State Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Bashir Lawandi Datti.
Residents told the delegation that Gile community has faced longstanding challenges, including limited access to potable water, healthcare, electricity, roads and schools.
Speaking during the visit, Yilwatda said the project would provide potable water through a reticulation network serving Gile and neighbouring communities while supporting irrigation, livestock production and job creation.
Utsev said the visit marked the preliminary assessment stage, with technical teams expected to carry out detailed feasibility studies and engineering designs before construction begins. He added that the dam is planned to support irrigation, domestic water supply, livestock production, hydropower generation and flood control.The minister also disclosed that the Mangu Dam project in Plateau State is about 90 per cent complete.
Commissioner Datti reaffirmed the Plateau State Government’s commitment to supporting the project, while community leaders and residents expressed optimism that it would improve livelihoods, agricultural productivity and rural development.
