FG FLAGS OFF N3.3BN DAM PROJECT IN C/RIVER

By NBF News

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
CALABAR - The Federal Government has flagged off the construction of N3.3 billion Qua Falls dam project in Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River Sate.

The project is geared towards ensuring rural transformation through government's multipurpose use of water supply for food production, hydro-electric power generation, tourism and employment creation.

Speaking at the ceremony, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Ambassador Godknows Igali, said the dam was designed to supply water to several communities and irrigate about 500 hectares of farmlands downstream of the dam and generate hydro-electric power.

He explained that the design consists of the construction of an earth-fill embankment dam of 26 metre high and 530 metre long; a reservoir with capacity of 68 million cubic metres of water and hydro-power component of about 16 megawatts, with a potential of 36 mega watts when Ikpan Dam would be constructed and connected through a diversion canal of approximately 4.3 kilometre.

He said the project, expected to be completed in 24 months with a 12-month maintenance period, is one of the biggest projects to be executed by the Federal Government in the state, adding that it has a spread effect and as such, calls for community participation. He appealed for cooperation with the contractors and government.

Igali said: 'I urge you to view this project as your own and to support its construction as it will employ local labour, empower them and boost the overall rural economy. We solicit the cooperation of all stakeholders, including elders and youths to provide a conducive environment for the project.'