The Federal Government says it has taken steps to tackle perennial water scarcity in the Benue South Senatorial district, also known as Zone C .
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, announced this in Abuja when the Benue South APC Elders Forum visited him in his office recently.
The steps taken, according to the Minister, include conducting a geophysical survey and identifying communities across the nine local governments for sinking of boreholes, which will commence soon.
Utsev said his ministry was also sourcing more funds for completion of Otobi Multipurpose Dam, stressing that the project, when completed, has the capacity to generate hydropower for the zone and boost irrigation farming in the area.
He announced plans to personally visit the zone and identify some of the challenges facing the people with a view to addressing them .
The Minister, who said some of the sons and daughters from the zone were working with him in key positions, added that more will be considered for executive positions and boards under the ministry when there is an approval from the President to that effect.
He appealed to them to continue to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and himself to succeed, as well as offer prayers for the peace and progress of Benue State.
Earlier, the Chairman, Benue South APC Elders Forum, Chief Agbo Ogah; Commissioner, National Population Commission in charge of Benue, Mrs. Patricia Kupchi; and former APC Chairman in Benue, Comrade Abba Yaro, explained that the visit was to congratulate Professor Utsev on his appointment and to appreciate him for the good works he is doing for the country and to pledge their support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator George Akume and the Minister to succeed.
They appealed to him to intervene in the water challenges facing the zone, facilitate employment of their sons and daughters into Federal Civil Service and consider them for appointments into key federal positions, as well as extend more empowerment programmes to zone C to enable them have a sense of belonging.
