The Kaduna State Government has dismissed reports of an imminent collapse of Kangimi Dam in Igabi Local Government Area, describing the claims as misleading.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure, Alhaji Ashiru Abdu Na Abdu, made the clarification in a statement issued on Friday.
Na Abdu said the government understood residents’ concerns following the recent flood advisory issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which listed Kaduna among 10 states at risk of flooding.
He, however, urged residents to rely on verified information and avoid spreading reports capable of creating unnecessary panic.
According to him, the images circulating on social media relate to structural concerns recorded at Kangimi Dam in 2015 and 2016.
He explained that the concerns arose from aging infrastructure and pressure caused by heavy rainfall at the time.
Na Abdu said the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure responded by carrying out emergency remedial works to stabilize the dam and ensure its continued safety and functionality.
“Over the years, Kangimi Dam has been under routine monitoring and minimal maintenance by the ministry,” he said.
The permanent secretary stressed that there is currently no evidence of active structural failure, adding that the dam remains intact and functional.
He disclosed that the state government was also procuring modern safety equipment to strengthen monitoring and enable early responses to potential threats.
The equipment, he said, would include automated water-level gauges, early-warning sirens and telemetry systems for round-the-clock monitoring.
While acknowledging NiMet’s flood warning, Na Abdu said claims that Kangimi Dam was on the verge of collapse were based on outdated information from 2015 and 2016 and did not reflect its current condition.
He urged media organizations and advocacy groups to verify reports with relevant government ministries before publishing information about the dam.
Na Abdu further disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Kaduna State Government had scheduled a joint technical inspection of the facility for August.
He said the government was also processing funding for the dam’s full rehabilitation and installation of additional safety equipment.
The permanent secretary added that the government, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, was conducting community sensitization exercises.
He advised residents living downstream of the dam to remain calm but vigilant and report any unusual developments to the relevant authorities.
“Prevention is better than cure, but the truth must lead the way,” Na Abdu said.
source: NAN
