Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has signed a N30 billion contract aimed at addressing the state’s water issues. The project will focus on improving water supply and distribution, especially in the southern zone of the state, which covers six local government areas.
During the contract signing on Friday, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to finding a long-term solution to the state’s water crisis. The contract is part of the Plateau State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape project, a World Bank-funded initiative in partnership with the state government.
Mutfwang emphasized that the project represents a key step in addressing the water scarcity affecting the southern senatorial district over the next 30 months. “This contract signing marks a significant milestone in our effort to solve Plateau’s water crisis. When we took office, we inherited a water sector in dire condition, with the Yakubu Gowon Dam lacking proper intervention, resulting in unreliable water supply in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis,” Mutfwang said.
He assured that efforts were underway to resolve the problems, including tackling issues surrounding the Yakubu Gowon Dam and other key dams in the metropolis within the next six months. “Each time we address one issue, another arises, but we are addressing them comprehensively,” he added.
Governor Mutfwang also stressed that the severe water shortage in Plateau’s southern zone is a top priority for his administration. The contract signing is seen as a major step in improving the water situation in the area.
“This project is funded through a loan secured under the World Bank framework, in partnership with other northern states. It is designed to combat desertification, ensure sustainable water supply, and restore the environment. We are ready for implementation,” he explained.
The project includes desilting Dams One and Two in Langtang North, building hedge rows to reduce future siltation, maintaining washout embankments, and planting grass and trees to prevent erosion, support environmental restoration, and curb land degradation. These efforts are expected to ensure a steady water supply for affected communities.
ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Garba Gonkol, praised Mutfwang for his commitment to addressing water challenges, noting that Plateau State has never seen such a high level of dedication to solving these issues. The Project Engineer and Contractor, Akin Fagbohun, also provided details on the project and assured that it would be completed within the 30-month timeline.