Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has signed a N30bn contract aimed at tackling the state’s water crisis,
particularly focusing on the southern zone, which includes six local government areas (LGAs).
The initiative is part of the Plateau State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) project, a
collaboration between the state government and the World Bank.
At the signing ceremony held on Friday, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resolving
the persistent water shortages in Plateau State. He pointed out that the project would be a game-changer for the
southern senatorial district, which has faced severe water challenges over the years.
The project is expected to be completed in 30 months, providing lasting solutions for the region’s water scarcity.
Governor Mutfwang explained that when he assumed office, he inherited a water sector that was nearly
nonfunctional. He highlighted the lack of adequate intervention in key water sources like the Yakubu Gowon Dam,
which has been causing an erratic water supply to the Jos-Bukuru metropolis.
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The Governor assured that his government is working diligently to restore functionality to the dam and other critical
water bodies in the region. A significant part of the new project includes the desilting of Dams One and Two in
Langtang North, which will improve water storage capacity.
Additionally, the project will involve the construction of hedge rows to prevent siltation, maintenance of
embankments, and environmental restoration measures such as planting grass and trees to prevent erosion.
Mutfwang emphasized that the initiative is a World Bank-backed loan project in collaboration with other northern
states. It aims to combat desertification, ensure sustainable water supply, and improve the overall environment in the region.
He expressed confidence that the steps being taken would significantly address the acute water shortage facing
Plateau’s southern zone. The Project Coordinator for ACReSAL, Garba Gonkol, commended Governor Mutfwang for
his proactive leadership in prioritizing projects that have a direct impact on the people of Plateau.
Similarly, Akin Fagbohun, the Project Engineer and Contractor, provided an overview of the contract and promised that the project would be completed within the agreed 30-month period, ensuring that the people of Plateau benefit from reliable and clean water supply.
