By MARYAM AHMADU-SUKA

The Kaduna State Government has allayed fears over reports of an imminent collapse of Kangimi Dam in Igabi Local Government Area, saying the facility remains intact and functional.

The government described photographs and claims circulating on social media as outdated, saying they relate to structural concerns identified at the dam around 2015/2016.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure, Alhaji Ashiru Abdu Na Abdu, gave the clarification in a statement on Friday.

He said there was currently no evidence of active structural failure at the dam, which had continued to undergo routine monitoring.

He added that the earlier concerns were associated with structural pressure resulting from ageing infrastructure and heavy rainfall.

He explained that emergency remedial works were subsequently undertaken by the ministry to stabilise the structure and address identified concerns.

The permanent secretary said “describing Kangimi Dam as being on the verge of collapse based on 2015/2016 data is misleading and not reflective of present conditions.

“There is no evidence of active structural failure. The dam is currently intact and performing its function.”

The clarification came against the backdrop of growing concerns over flooding following the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) advisory listing Kaduna among states at risk of flooding.

The government cautioned residents against linking the flood advisory with claims that Kangimi Dam was at the risk of imminent collapse.

It, however, acknowledged the need to strengthen safety and monitoring systems at the facility, particularly in view of increasing extreme weather events and risks associated with heavy rainfall.

The government said modern safety equipment, including automated water-level gauges, early-warning sirens and telemetry systems, were procured to facilitate round-the-clock monitoring of the dam.

It also announced plans for a joint technical inspection of the facility by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Kaduna State Government in August.

The inspection, it said, would provide updated assessment of the dam and determine the scope of additional rehabilitation required.

The state government further disclosed that the budgetary process for the comprehensive rehabilitation of the facility and installation of additional safety equipment was ongoing.

It urged communities downstream of the dam to remain vigilant and report any unusual observations to the appropriate authorities.

It said community sensitisation was also being undertaken in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA).

The government appealed to media organisations, advocacy groups and the public to verify information with relevant authorities before sharing reports capable of causing unnecessary panic. (NAN)

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