Managing Director of Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, SRRBDA, Alhaji Abubakar Malam, has assured that Goronyo Dam remains safe, with water release strictly in line with the authority’s approved guidelines.
Malam gave the assurance at the weekend while briefing journalists after conducting a routine inspection of the facilities and water passages at the dam, located in Sokoto State.
He explained that following predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, of heavy rainfall this year, some residents had expressed fear of possible water spillage.
”We affirm that SRRBDA’s technical team will strictly abide by the action plan designed on the release of water each month.
” It is pertinent to inform the general public that the level of siltation of the downstream sector of River Rima occasioned by human activities and climate change had drastically affected the dam’s ability to discharge appropriate volume of water.
”I want to assure members of the public, especially farmers, fishermen, canoe operators, states water boards and others that there is no cause for alerm with regard to daily release of water, ” he said.
He assured that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is on the right track to provide the needed impetus for sustainable agricultural production and economic growth through various initiatives aimed at ensuring food security and job opportunities for Nigerians.
While Malam appreciated the support of stakeholders in Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina and Zamfara States, he assured of improved service delivery in accordance with SRRBDA’s mandate.
He recalled that a federal government delegation had inspected the dam’s condition after the Alu Dam incident in Borno State.
Malam added that Goronyo Dam’s embankments, spillways, passages and other facilities are still intact without any threat to lives and properties.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the project was initiated during the military administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo, executed under the late President Shehu Shagari and completed in 1984 when it began operation.
It has a total capacity of 942 million cubic meters managed by SRRBDA. NAN
