Govt targets 30GW electricity, commissions dam in Taraba

PMuhammadu Buhari, yesterday, inaugurated the 40MW Hydropower Station and Associated 132KV Switchyard, Transmission Line and Distribution Substation ( Phase I) of Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam, located in Taraba State. He underscored the importance of the project, highlighting its role in his administration’s commitment to achieving 30GW target of electricity by 2030, under the Electricity Vision 30: 30: 30.

While inviting Minister of Federal Capital Territory ( FCT), Mohammed Bello, to unveil the project on his behalf, the President noted that the electricity initiative was to have renewable energy contribute at least 30 per cent to the mix, thereby expanding access.

Buhari said implementation and completion of the Kashimbila projects align with his government’s policies to alleviate poverty, generate emplo yment opportunities, enhance he althcare services and improve standard of living of Nigerians.

His words: “The Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam in Taraba State, with storage capacity of 500 million cubic metres, was conceived principally to checkmate threat of imminent collapse of the struc - turally weak and poisonous Lake Nyos, located at the line of volcanic activities in Cameroun Republic, which collapse could result in flooding and affect millions of lives and properties.

“Though the dam was meant to serve as buffer to contain possible discharge of water from Lake Nyos, the engineering design maximised benefits of the Kashimbila ecosystem by incorporating a 40MW hydropower station, 60,000 cubic metre per day water supply scheme, 2,000 hectares of irrigation system, an airstrip, fishing activities and tourism potentials.”

According to the President, the phase one includes 132KV switchyard, four substations at Takum, Wukari, Rafin Kada, Donga and rehabilitation of existing 132KV Yandev substation.

It also comprises installation of a 245- kilometre 132KV double circuits line from Kashimbila to Takum, Wukari, Yandev, as well as a 45- kilometre, 33kv double circuits line from Wukari to Donga, through Rafin Kada.

He continued: “I understand that the water supply component that is intended to service Takum and environs has reached about 65 per cent progress, while the engineering design for the 2000hectare irrigation scheme has been fully completed, and physical works will commence in due course.”

Buhari assured Nigerians that other projects, geared at boosting electricity supply, such as the 40MW Dadinkowa hydropower plant in Gombe State and 700MW Zungeru hydropower facility in Niger State, are ready for commissioning.

He commended the Ministries of Water Resources and Power for delivering on the Kashimbila project, urging increased collaboration among ministries, departments and agencies in infrastructure development.