Kaduna Govt debunks imminent collapse claim on kangimi dam

The Kaduna State Government has dismissed reports alleging an imminent collapse of Kangimi Dam in Igabi Local Government Area.

Alh. Ashiru Abdu Na Abdu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure, clarified this in a statement on Friday.

Na Abdu said the government appreciated public concerns following NiMet’s recent flood advisory, which included Kaduna among 10 states.

He, however, urged residents to rely on verified information to prevent unnecessary panic over the condition of the dam.

According to him, images circulating on social media relate to structural concerns first observed at Kangimi Dam in 2015 and 2016.

He said the concerns resulted from aging infrastructure and pressure from heavy rainfall during the period.

The permanent secretary said the Kaduna State Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure promptly carried out emergency remedial works to stabilise the dam.

He added that the intervention was aimed at ensuring the safety and continued functionality of the facility.

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“Over the years, Kangimi Dam has been under routine monitoring and minimal maintenance by the ministry,” he said.

Na Abdu said there was currently no evidence of active structural failure, stressing that the dam remained intact and functional.

He said the state government was procuring modern safety equipment for the dam to strengthen monitoring and early response.

The equipment, he said, would include automated water-level gauges, early warning sirens and telemetry systems for round the clock monitoring.

Na Abdu said the government took NiMet’s flood warning seriously but described claims of an imminent dam collapse as misleading.

He said such claims were based on 2015/2016 information and did not reflect the dam’s current condition.

The permanent secretary urged media organisations and advocacy groups to verify information with relevant state ministries before publication.

He said a joint technical inspection by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and Kaduna State Government was scheduled for August.

He added that the budgetary process for full rehabilitation and installation of additional safety equipment was ongoing.

Na Abdu said community sensitisation was also being conducted with NEMA in collaboration with the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency.

He urged residents downstream of the dam to remain calm and vigilant while reporting unusual observations to the nearest authorities.

“Prevention is better than cure, but the truth must lead the way,” Na Abdu said.

(NAN)