.jpg "Reps Member set to ensure completion of rehabilitation of Obudu Dam andoned 10 years ago 1")
Ukorebi Esien | 20th June 2023
CALABAR – The House of Representatives Member representing Obanliku/Obudu/Bekwarra Federal Constituency in the Green Chambers of the National Assembly, Chief Hon Peter Akpanke has taken moves to complete the rehabilitation of the Obudu dam which has been abandoned since 2012 and all abandoned federal government projects in his constituency.
Akpanke who was at the project site in Obudu to have a first-hand knowledge of the level of work done so far, shortly after he was swron-in as a lawmaker, lamented the poor state of the facility noting that if fully functional the dam has the capacity to rejuvenate the entire constituency as it will tackle the challenges of water supply, irrigation, Agricultural productivity, and unemployment.
The lawmaker during a constituency needs assessment tour said he will stop at nothing to see that every abandoned Federal Government facility or project in the federal constituency is completed and fully functional for the optimal benefit of his constituents.
Addressing stakeholders, chiefs and constituents at different spots during the tour, Akpanke thanked the people for the massive support during the elections, promising to do everything within his capacity to drive home the dividends of democracy.
“Your support in the last elections overwhelmed me. I sleep every day wondering why I received the level of love and support I got from you. I’m challenged by the believe you have in me and as your employee, I pray God strengthens Me to do what is in my mind to do for our people”. He said.
Promising to revisit all federal government abandoned projects in his constituency, the lawmaker said, “I am aware that the dam contract was awarded for billions of Naira, the roads are bad, the facility is faulty and the project abandoned. If that place begins to work, our youths will be gainfully employed. I have inspected the site, I have taken pictures and we are going to get the relevant agencies back to work.”
He also noted that the dam can be used to generate hydroelectricity, it can also be used for Agricultural purposes, water supply etc. He said the site can even generate revenue through tourism and he will ensure the dam is brought back to life. Stating his focus is to develop the federal constituency and not to cast aspirations on anyone.
Editorial
Recall that the dam was commissioned in 1999 for use in farm irrigation, fishing, and also for recreational and tourism purposes. In September 2000, the then Paramount Ruler of Obudu local government area, Uti Agba, promised that his community would protect the facilities installed at the dam.
A massive rainstorm in July 2003, combined with release of excess water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, damaged the spillway and caused flooding that destroyed over 200 houses. The estimated cost of repairing the damage and also completing the irrigation works was estimated at N350 million. A 2004 safety review reported that immediate work was required to restore the spillway, at an estimated cost of N272 million. In July 2009, the Federal government issued a tender for engineering supervision of remedial work on the dam including refurbishing or replacing hydro-mechanical parts, electrical installation and civil engineering infrastructure.
In 2012, the Federal Executive Council, FEC, approved a contract for the rehabilitation of the Obudu Dam at the cost of N1.165 billion.
The project, according to a publication of the Cross River Basin Authority, has the aim of guaranteeing the safety and integrity of the reservoir for enhanced urban water supply.
The main objective of the project was stated in the publication include the rehabilitation and upgrading of the dam’s facilities to meet its intended uses, which include primarily the provision of potable water, as well as irrigation, fishery, tourism and flood control.
“The work is to focus on how to establish a draw-off point and an effective spillway as well as to provide efficient and sustainable operation of the various dam components and facilities, the publication noted.
Funding for the rehabilitation is from the World Bank while the client is the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Cross River State Basin Development Authority is the supervisory agency.
It disclosed that the duration of the physical rehabilitation works is 12 months and additional 12 months for the maintenance and defects’ liability period.
Obudu Dam was constructed and commissioned by the Cross River Basin Development Authority in 1999 under direct labour. The earth-filled Dam with a crest length of 425m, width of 6m, embarkment height of 15m, and reservoir capacity of 4.25MCM is designed to serve for water supply, irrigation, fisheries, tourism and flood control.
The dam has reduced downstream water volumes in Obudu town, causing acute scarcity of drinking water in the dry season.
The job of revisiting abandoned projects is one thing politicians don’t do. If Peter Akpanke succeeds in revamping 30% abandoned projects in his constituency, there will be no need for new projects. He is on the right tract and should be given the needed support.