President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria has officially commissioned the 40MW Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam project in Taraba State
The project was developed to address the danger posed by the structurally weak and toxic Lake Nyos, situated along the line of volcanic activities in Cameroon Republic. The potential collapse of Lake Nyos could result in catastrophic flooding, endangering the lives and properties of millions of people.
While the primary purpose of the dam was to serve as a protective measure against the discharge of water from Lake Nyos, the engineering design incorporated additional features to maximize the benefits of the Kashimbila ecosystem. These include a 40MW hydropower station, a water supply scheme with a capacity of 60,000 cubic meters per day, a 2,000-hectare irrigation system, an airstrip, fishing activities, and tourism prospects.
The recently commissioned Phase 1 of the project focuses on the Power Evacuation Component and encompasses the 132KV Switchyard and four substations at Takum, Wukari, Rafin Kada, and Donga. Additionally, it involves the rehabilitation of the existing 132KV Yandev substation, the installation of a 245km, 132KV Double Circuits line from Kashimbila to Takum, Wukari, and Yandev, and a 45km, 33KV Double Circuits line from Wukari to Donga via Rafin Kada.
President Buhari acknowledged the progress made in the water supply component, revealing that it has reached 65% completion, while the engineering design for the 2,000-hectare irrigation scheme has been finalized. Physical construction work for the irrigation system is set to commence soon.
Highlighting the government's commitment to uplifting Nigerians out of poverty, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing the overall standard of living, President Buhari emphasized that projects like Kashimbila align with their poverty alleviation policies. The President also noted that this achievement underlines Nigeria's dedication to achieving the target set in Electricity Vision 30:30:30. This ambitious plan aims to supply 30GW of electricity by 2030, with renewable energy accounting for at least 30% of the energy mix, thereby accelerating access to electricity for all Nigerians.
President Buhari also announced the readiness for commissioning of other similar projects, including the 40MW Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant in Gombe State and the 700MW Zungeru Hydropower Plant in Niger State.
