The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has commenced plans to relocate the Mangar community in Wamba Local Government Area of Nasarawa State to pave way for the completion of the Farin Ruwa Multipurpose Dam project.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev, represented by the Director of Dams and Reservoirs, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule at the Government House, Lafia.
Utsev explained that relocation of the community was necessary as the area would be completely submerged once the dam, currently at 42 percent completion, is fully operational.
The Farin Ruwa Multipurpose Dam, being executed by China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC), is designed with a 65-metre-high embankment capable of storing 73 million cubic metres of water, a 500-metre saddle dam, an intake tower, a 200-metre service bridge, a 150-metre spillway, a 120-metre discharge channel, and a 20-kilometre access road.
Upon completion, the dam is expected to generate 20 megawatts of hydroelectricity, provide water supply, irrigation for agriculture, flood control, and boost tourism in the state.
The Minister sought Nasarawa State Government’s support in providing land, Certificates of Occupancy, and facilitating community resettlement.
He commended Governor Sule for constructing the Sisin Baki–Farin Ruwa access road, which enabled contractors to mobilize to site.
Governor Sule, while reaffirming his administration’s support, called for a clear timeline to ensure residents do not lose their homes and livelihoods indefinitely.
He expressed concern that relocation without immediate progress on the project would leave the Mangar community stranded.
“We don’t want to move people to high ground and leave them waiting endlessly for the dam to be completed. Relocating them means taking away their farms and livelihoods, so it must be properly planned,” the Governor warned.
Sule directed the lawmaker representing the area, the Commissioner for Water Resources, and traditional rulers to work closely with the Federal Ministry to resolve resettlement issues.
He further noted that although over N8 billion has been earmarked for the relocation, delays had escalated costs unnecessarily.
On his part, the paramount traditional ruler of the area, the Gom Mama, HRH Alhaji Bala Adams Zubairu, lauded Governor Sule for being the first to construct a road to the Farin Ruwa axis, pledging the cooperation of the community for the successful execution of the project.
