By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – THE Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utsev, Monday, declared both Dadin-Kowa and Goronyo dams in Gombe and Sokoto States are intact contrary to rumours about their health.

Utsev made the declaration during a press conference held to mark the 2024 World Rivers Day with the theme ‘Protect our Rivers from Pollution’, basically to educate Nigerians about the importance of rivers and the need to safeguard them.

Meanwhile, the Minister said there is nexus between rivers and dams, as dams are critical infrastructure playing vital roles of water management, for economic, environmental and social benefits while rivers are vital components of the ecosystem playing crucial roles in sustenance of life. He added that the primary sources of water to dams are rivers, lakes, streams and wetlands.

He said: “Most dams are built on rivers by utilizing their natural flows. This underpins the importance of this day set aside to draw attention to the imperatives of healthy river courses to our national development.

“There are series of activities on the rivers that negatively impacts on our dam reservoirs. These activities which in their nature maybe anthropogenic, riverine, watershed to climate-related could have severe consequences on the design capacity and safety of our dam infrastructure.

“Therefore, there is need to preserve the integrity of our rivers vis-a-vis our dams to ensure sustainable management and guarantee healthy environment for future generations.

“At this juncture, let me state without contradiction that, as a Ministry, considering the enormous benefits being derived from the multipurpose uses of our dam infrastructure including water supply, irrigation, flood control and hydro-power generation, we shall continue to demonstrate our commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure from the devastating effects of flooding in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“As a responsible government, we shall continue to work tirelessly with relevant stake holders to ensure that our dams are secure and well maintained through regular surveillance as well as ensure data driven decision-making, enhance public awareness and provide accurate information.

“Let me use this occasion to draw media attention to the dangers of peddling unsubstantiated information about dam safety such as the recent reportage on the health of Dadin-Kowa and Goronyo Dams in Gombe and Sokoto States respectively which could have devastating consequences, if not checked.

“Some effects of spreading misinformation on Dams safety includes eroding public trust, heightening unfounded tension, undermining confidence on the infrastructure, risking lives and properties as well as compromising environmental sustainability.”

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Richard Pheelangwah, in a remark at the 2024 World Rivers Day, said “rivers play significant role in shaping the earth’s surface features; serving as strong support to water supply, biodiversity and ecosystem activities, flood control, hydroelectricity, irrigation, climate regulation, promote recreational and mental health benefits, transport goods and services, promote tourism, etc.

“However, it is disheartening that despite the tremendous benefits that rivers plays in our lives and communities, the rivers in Nigeria are thrown to diverse pollution, climate change, urbanization, population growth, industrial development and other human activities that endanger the sources of our fresh water with likely attendant negative effects.

“There is no doubt that the effects of the challenges as earlier highlighted have seriously degraded, diverted, and polluted the earth’s living system for a long time, as most people in Nigeria have limited access to portable water or safe water for consumption, and other meaningful activities.

“Thus, the need for urgent attention to continually protect our rivers from pollution underscores the importance of today’s event.”