River Basin Authority to resume dam construction after 40 years

The Hadeja-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority has restarted construction of the Kafin Zaki dam project, in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State abandoned for over 40 years.

The Authority’s Managing Director, Rabiu Bichi dropped the hint during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Kano on Friday shortly after inspecting the project.

Mr Bichi said that the project initiated under Ibrahim Babangida military regime, was halted shortly after commencement.

”I just visited the Kafin Zaki dam site signaling government’s renewed commitment to complete the project,” he told NAN.

He said the Authority was reviving the project in partnership with the Bauchi State Government.

Bichi said that compensation was paid to affected farmers 40 years ago, but its abandonment led to resettlement issues.
He explained that efforts were underway to relocate residents and provide alternative settlements.

The dam’s completion is expected to boost irrigation, water supply, and agriculture in Bauchi State and beyond.

It is seen as key to unlocking agricultural potential and addressing water management challenges in northeastern Nigeria.

NAN