The managing director of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA), Abubakar Malam, has assured that Goronyo Dam remains safe, with water release strictly in line with the authority’s approved guidelines.

Mr Malam gave the assurance on Saturday while briefing journalists after conducting a routine inspection of the facilities and water passages at the dam in Sokoto State.

He explained that, following predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) of heavy rainfall this year, some residents had expressed concerns about possible water spillage.

”We affirm that the SRRBDA technical team will strictly abide by the action plan designed for the release of water each month.

”It is pertinent to inform the general public that the level of siltation of the downstream sector of River Rima, occasioned by human activities and climate change, has drastically affected the dam’s ability to discharge an appropriate volume of water.

”I want to assure members of the public, especially farmers, fishermen, canoe operators, state water boards, and others, that there is no cause for alarm with regard to the daily release of water,” he said.

He reassured that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was on the right track, providing needed impetus for sustainable agricultural production and economic growth through various initiatives aimed at ensuring food security and job opportunities for Nigerians.

While Mr Malam appreciated the support of stakeholders in Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Zamfara states, he assured of continued improved service provisions in accordance with SRRBDA mandates.

He recalled that the federal government delegation had inspected the dam’s condition after the Alu Dam’s incident in Borno State.

Mr Malam added that Goronyo Dam’s embankments, spillways, passages, and other facilities were still intact without any threats to lives and properties.

The Goronyo Dam project was initiated during the military administration of Olusegun Obasanjo, executed under the late President Shehu Shagari, and completed in 1984 when it began operation.

The dam has a total capacity of 942 million cubic metres managed by SRRBDA.

(NAN)