Dalung embarks on dam reconstruction to solve water problem in Langtang

Youths and Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, has embarked on reconstruction of a dam in Lantang South local government area to solve the age-long water problem in the area.

Leading newsmen round the project site, the minister said the dam was constructed 71 years ago by the colonial masters but has since been abandoned, thereby making the water problem in the area to persist.

“This is called Sabon-Gida Dam, and it was constructed by the colonial masters 71 years ago, that is in 1948. And since then, it has not been functional and the dam dried up. That is why I felt something has to be done because the major problem of the people, not only that of my village alone, but that of Langtang generally, is water problem. That is why I made great effort few weeks ago to make sure the dam construction gets underway more than ever before.

“Moreso because the population of the people of village has grown from 50 people in 1948 to over 10,000 now, while that of Langtang South in general has increased to over 200,000. I have committed so much effort and resources to the revamping of the dam, and it is my modest effort to tackle the major humanitarian crises of my people. It is has nothing to do with politics and has no political undertone,” he said.

He stressed that he has been spending personal money and materials to stimulate the dam reconstruction, adding that he will not relent until the project is completed and serve a useful purpose.

Dalung decried that the politicians and successive governments have abondoned Langtang people, particularly in the area of provision of the basic amenities.

He said his resolve to go on with the project is in protest of the abandonment of his area over the years and to show that things can truly work with commitment.