From Muawuya bala ldris Katsina
The Jibia Local Government Council has commenced the desilting and expansion of the Tankuri Dam in Gangara Ward, as part of efforts to improve water supply and support agricultural activities in the area.
The project, which began on the directive of the Council Chairman, Hon. Sirajo Ado Jibia, is aimed at restoring the dam’s storage capacity after years of silt accumulation and structural wear that reduced its effectiveness.
Tankuri Dam was originally constructed during the administration of former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida. It later received rehabilitation during the tenure of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. However, the facility had not undergone comprehensive maintenance in recent years, leading to water shortages affecting residents and livestock, particularly during the dry season.
Speaking on the development, Sirajo said the intervention underscores his administration’s commitment to revitalising critical rural infrastructure and enhancing the socio-economic wellbeing of the people.
He noted that the desilting and expansion works would increase the dam’s water retention capacity, ensure steady access to water for domestic use, irrigation and animal husbandry, and reduce the hardship faced by communities in sourcing water.
Community members in Tankuri have welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. They expressed optimism that the restored dam would strengthen farming and livestock production, which remain the mainstay of the local economy.
The Tankuri Dam project forms part of broader efforts by the Sirajo Ado’s administration to improve infrastructure, promote food security and uplift rural communities across the Meanwhile, a new transformer has been installed by the council at Dadara town to end shortage of electricity supply to the area.Sirajo explained that the provision of the new transformer was in fulfilment of promise made during his campaign tour to the area.Hr called on the people of the area to protect the transformer from vandalization.