To combat flooding, Plans are ongoing to dredge Niger, Benue rivers – Minister

 

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, disclosed at the weekend that plans are underway to resume the dredging of the Niger and Benue rivers.

He said the project will change the entire economic corridor of Niger and Benue states as well as combat flooding in the area.

Prof Utsev added that his ministry had put committees in motion to work on the modalities for the dredging of the two rivers.

Fielding questions from journalists during a graduation ceremony from a youth empowerment scheme and distribution of items organized by the Lower Niger River Basin Authority, he said: “Dredging of rivers Niger and Benue is what we are working on. We have put some committees in place.

“The committees will assess the feasibility of the dredging. After that, we will discuss it with President Bola Tinubu. At that point, we will then tell all Nigerians where we are on the dredging of the two rivers.”

He added that his ministry is working to ensure the provision of potable water, sanitation, and irrigation.

“Water for irrigation will be used to provide food for the enhancement of food security and ultimately generate income and empowerment. As you can see, some youths are being empowered today. Water is not only important; it is essential for the existence of living organisms.

“President Tinubu, in his Renewed Hope agenda, promised to work on food security and revive Nigeria’s economy in addition to healthcare and security. We at the ministry are working assiduously to see how we can provide potable water for drinking, sanitation, and irrigation,” he said.