Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West Senatorial District, has renewed his appeal to the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the abandoned Ivo River Dam Project in Enugu. The project, initiated to provide water supply, irrigation, fishery, and electricity generation, has been stalled, leaving surrounding communities at risk of flooding. Ngwu stressed that the dam's completion is crucial to mitigating the recurring flooding in Aninri and other Local Government Areas of the state.
The Senator's call for intervention comes as communities in Aninri Local Government Area face extensive damage from flooding, with Mpu, Okpanku, Oduma, Nenwe, Ndeabo, and adjoining communities seriously affected. Reports from the affected areas indicate that more than 10,000 residents have been displaced, with many losing their homes, farmlands, and means of livelihood. Ngwu emphasized that the situation has become even more urgent with the onset of the 2026 rainy season.
Ngwu has been actively engaging with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, writing several letters since 2023, and personally meeting with the Minister to request government intervention. He urged the Ministry to accommodate the project in the national budget and ensure necessary funding for its completion. The Senator expressed hope that the current administration, under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope agenda, would prioritize the project.
The abandoned Ivo River Dam Project is one of several infrastructure initiatives that have suffered prolonged delays and abandonment in Enugu. Ngwu also called for intervention in the long-neglected Mgbowo Dam and Water Scheme in Awgu LGA of the state. He noted that the two projects, if completed, would have provided essential services to the communities, including water supply, irrigation, and electricity generation.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant government agencies have been urged to respond urgently to the situation. Ngwu stressed that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, in collaboration with other agencies, should commence the necessary processes to complete the dam under the infrastructure and development priorities of the administration.
The severity of the flooding has exposed the urgent need to complete and rehabilitate the Ivo River Dam, Ngwu said. He lamented that despite his previous appeals, the situation had not improved, and the continued delay in addressing the dam's structural and flood-control challenges could no longer be ignored. The Senator emphasized that immediate intervention and completion of the project are crucial to preventing further damage.
Ngwu's renewed appeal comes as the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu's leadership, prioritizes infrastructure development and economic growth. The Senator expressed confidence that the current administration would give the project the priority attention required to complete it, thereby addressing the long-standing challenges facing Enugu communities.
Key points
- Senator Osita Ngwu urges Federal Government to intervene in abandoned Ivo River Dam Project to mitigate devastating flooding in Enugu communities.
- The project aims to provide water supply, irrigation, fishery, and electricity generation to surrounding communities.
- More than 10,000 residents have been displaced due to flooding in Aninri Local Government Area.
