From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Federal Government Sub-Technical Committee on assessment and evaluation of dams across the country has carried out on-the-spot assessment of the age-long Ogwashi-Ukwu Dam in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State with an assurance to recommend it for hydropower generation.
This is coming few weeks after the constitution and inauguration of the presidential inter-ministerial technical committee on evaluation of dams chaired by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev.
The Sub-Technical Committee Lead, Mrs Oluwatosin Abiola said the essence of the visit was to undertake a detailed assessment of Ogwashi-Ukwu Dam, with a view to determine its structural integrity, impact on downstream condition, as well as social and environmental conditions on local communities and extended environment.
Mrs Avila, who is a Deputy Director and Geotechnical Divisional Head, Dams Department of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, assured that findings on the dam and others across the country would form a robust action plan that would help in combating emerging challenges facing dams structure in the country.
She highlighted the challenges to include operations and maintenance.
On the committee’s assessment of Ogwashi-Ukwu Dam, Abiola said “we have noted the height, length and width of the dam. We have seen the spill way and many things will be put into consideration.
“You can see that the volume of water has greatly reduced due to siltation.
“Ogwashi-Ukwu Dam is viable and we are going to recommend it for a spill programme and for hydropower component depending on the volume of water.”
Managing Director of Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, Mr Saliu Ahmed said his agency is responsible for the operation and maintenance of Ogwashi-Ukwu and other dams in Edo, Ondo, Ekiti and Delta North Senatorial District.
He said Ogwashi-Ukwu Dam was constructed for the purpose of water supply, impounding raw water for treatment to supply water to surrounding towns and communities.
While insisting that the federal government had done its part in constructing and completing dam, Ahmed said the water component is the responsibility of the Delta State government.
