Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari marked a significant milestone as he inaugurated the Kashimbila Dam, the 40MW Hydropower Station, and the associated 132KV Switchyard, Transmission Line, and Distribution Substation (Phase I) Project. Located at the Kashimbila Dam site in Taraba State, this project holds immense importance in the country’s journey toward achieving its electricity goals.
During a virtual ceremony held at the Council Chamber, State House, Abuja, President Buhari emphasised the significance of the Kashimbila Dam project. He highlighted its role in his administration’s commitment to achieving the target of 30GW of electricity in the country by 2030, as outlined in the Electricity Vision 30:30:30 initiative.
To expedite the expansion of electricity access, the President aims to have renewable energy contribute at least 30% to Nigeria’s energy mix. The implementation and completion of the Kashimbila Dam projects align with the government’s policies to alleviate poverty, generate employment opportunities, enhance healthcare services, and improve the overall standard of living for Nigerians.
The Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam, situated in Taraba State, boasts a storage capacity of 500 million cubic meters. Its primary purpose is to mitigate the threat of the imminent collapse of the structurally weak and poisonous Lake Nyos, located in the line of volcanic activities in the Republic of Cameroon. The collapse of Lake Nyos could result in devastating flooding, affecting the lives and properties of millions of people.
However, the engineering design of the Kashimbila Dam maximizes its benefits by incorporating a 40MW Hydropower Station, a 60,000 cubic meter per day Water Supply Scheme, a 2,000-hectare Irrigation System, an airstrip, fishing activities, and tourism potential. This holistic approach ensures that the project serves as more than just a buffer against the potential discharge of water from Lake Nyos.
Phase I of the Power Evacuation Component of the Kashimbila Project includes the construction of the 132KV Switchyard and the rehabilitation of the existing 132KV Yandev substation. Additionally, four substations at Takum, Wukari, Rafin Kada, and Donga will be established.
The project also involves the installation of a 245km, 132KV Double Circuits transmission line from Kashimbila to Takum, Wukari, Yandev, as well as a 45km, 33kv Double Circuits transmission line from Wukari to Donga, passing through Rafin Kada.
President Buhari stated that the Water Supply component, which is intended to service Takum and its surrounding areas, has reached about 65% progress. The engineering design for the 2,000-hectare Irrigation Scheme has been fully completed, and physical works will commence in due course.
Kashimbila Dam Presents A Bright Future for Electricity Supply in Nigeria
The President assured Nigerians that besides the Kashimbila Dam, additional projects aimed at boosting the electricity supply are also ready for commissioning. These include the 40MW Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant in Gombe State and the 700MW Zungeru Hydropower Plant in Niger State.
President Buhari commended the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the Federal Ministry of Power for their dedicated efforts in delivering the Kashimbila Dam Project. He expressed his anticipation for increased collaboration among various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in infrastructure development.
The President also expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the host communities and the individuals affected by the Kashimbila Dam Project. that their cooperation, understanding, and support during the implementation of this significant undertaking have been invaluable.