Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev. Photo: The Nation

The Federal Government has commenced plans to construct a multipurpose dam in Gile community, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, in a move aimed at ending what residents described as more than a century of water scarcity and infrastructural neglect.

The proposed project, expected to provide potable water, irrigation, livestock water supply, electricity, access roads and other critical infrastructure, was unveiled on Monday during an inspection visit to the proposed site by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, accompanied by 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.

Speaking during the visit, Yilwatda described the proposed dam as a transformational intervention that would unlock the economic potential of Gile and neighbouring communities.

“This is more than water. This is life. It is agriculture, livestock production, a source of livelihood, job creation and wealth for this community,” he said.