Nigerian President H.E Muhammadu Buhari has commissioned the Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam which will generate 40MW of power and associated 132KV Switchyard, Transmission Line and Distribution substation (Phase I) in Taraba State.
According to President Buhari, the project is part of his administration’s commitment to achieving the target of 30GW of electricity in the country by 2030, under the Electricity Vision 30:30:30.
He noted that the electricity vision initiative aims to have renewable energy contribute, at least, 30 per cent to the energy mix, thereby, expediting the expansion of electricity access.
Furthermore, the President said the implementation and completion of the Kashimbila projects align with his government’s policies to alleviate poverty, generate employment opportunities, enhance healthcare services and improve the overall standard of living of Nigerians.
‘‘The Kashimbila multipurpose dam in Taraba State, with a storage capacity of 500 million cubic metres, was conceived principally to checkmate the threat of the imminent collapse of the structurally weak and poisonous Lake Nyos, located at the line of volcanic activities in the Cameroon Republic, which collapse could result in flooding and affecting millions of lives and properties.
‘‘Even though the dam was meant to serve as a buffer to contain the possible discharge of water from Lake Nyos, the engineering design maximised the benefits of the Kashimbila ecosystem by incorporating a 40MW hydropower station, 60,000 cubic metres per day water supply scheme, 2,000 hectares of irrigation system, an airstrip, fishing activities and tourism potentials,’’ President Buhari said when he commissioned the project virtually from the Council Chamber, State House, Abuja.
According to the President, Phase I of the Power Evacuation Component of the project includes the 132KV switchyard, four substations at Takum, Wukari, Rafin Kada, and Donga and the rehabilitation of the existing 132KV Yandev substation.
It also involves the installation of a 245km, 132KV double circuits line from Kashimbila to Takum, Wukari, Yandev, as well as a 45km, 33kv double circuits line from Wukari to Donga through Rafin Kada, he added.
‘‘I understand that the water supply component that is intended to service Takum and its environs has reached about 65 per cent progress, while the engineering design for the 2000 Hectare Irrigation Scheme has been fully completed, and physical works will commence in due course,’’ he said.
The President assured Nigerians that other projects aimed at boosting electricity supply, such as the 40MW Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant in Gombe State and the 700MW Zungeru Hydropower Plant in Niger State, are also ready for commissioning.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the Federal Ministry of Power for their efforts in delivering the Kashimbila Project, expressing his anticipation for increased collaboration among various ministries, departments, and agencies in infrastructure development.
He also praised the host communities and the individuals affected by the Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam Project for their cooperation, understanding and support during the implementation of this significant undertaking.
The Minister of State Power, Mr Goddy Jedy-Agba said: “The Ministry of Power funded and led the construction of the electromechanical component of the 40MW plant and power evacuation component and phase one delivered five turbines.”
He also said the event marked the beginning of the second phase to build five new 132kV substations and transmission lines to connect it to the existing Yandev substation in Benue State.
The Managing Director, of Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd and concessionaire of the new plant, Engr Audu Lamu said, “Mainstream/Kashimbila Power Limited (KPL) Joint Venture has been approved as the concessionaire of the Kashimbilla hydropower plant.”