ADADA RIVER DAM PROJECT: THE PAINFUL DELAY OF A BLESSING TO NSUKKA LAND

ADADA RIVER DAM PROJECT: THE PAINFUL DELAY OF A BLESSING TO NSUKKA LAND

As we continued our movement and push for the establishment of a University of Agriculture in Nsukka land by this Administration of His Excellency Govnor Ifeanyi UGWUANYI,  we branched off at the ongoing ADADA RIVER DAM Project, after visiting the Adada Secondary School. It's on record that it's from this ADADA Secondary School where a Campus of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) was lifted off back to Enugu, and then to Agbani. We were on our voyage of discovery, to ascertain the capacity of the Adada Secondary School to house the University of Agriculture that we are advocating for, as take-off temporary site.

When we got to the Adada River, it was amazing to behold the sight of the Dam being constructed by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Water Resources. It's an awesome Project 

The construction of the DAM was said to be flagged off in 2011, having been attracted by the then Senator Ayogu Eze who doubled as the then Chairman, Senate Committee on Works has continued to be delayed for one reason or the other. 

The 2.6 Billion naira project is expected to supply clean drinkable water to the entire Nsukka Zone and most importantly, electricity to the State but has continued to be a mere wish to the people, what we call, *"O no nso, eru aka"*. This is because, the project was to take 24 months to be completed and this is 9 years on since then. 

There have been claims and counter claims by past and present leaders on why such a life changing project has continued to experience setbacks, including the call for the arrest and prosecution of the contractor, Messrs Rudo Nigeria Ltd about 7 years ago. 

The Dam came to limelight again on August 14th last year following the heavy return of the Adada river after 40 years of disappearing in some areas, leading to a rapid increase in water level, which made the workers to open the Dam, which then washed off the Adada bridge connecting Uzo-Uwani to Igbo-Etiti.

 The rapid increase in the water-level which the contractors described as "strange" drew the attention of government officials to the Dam site and a small bridge was constructed, though it remained uncompleted till date.

In our chat with one of the Engineers at the site, he expressed their readiness to fast track the construction and completion of the DAM and how beneficial it would be to the entire state. He stated that the Adada river which has more than 50-feet depth is very special. 

However, the site-Engineer wasn't forthcoming with the expected date of completion of the Dam but assured us that the company is doing all they could to complete the project as soon as possible especially, if the government does not withhold funds.

Part of our observations was the pitiable situation of the road leading to the DAM which also connects Uzo-Uwani, Igbo-Etiti and Udi Local Government Areas, linking up to Enugu Capital City. The road which could best be described as a death trap as we narrowly escaped accidents on several occasions, needs urgent attention by both the State and Federal Governments.

Having waited for 9 years, how long more shall we wait for the Blessings that will come from the Adada River Dam? 

We therefore appeal to our sons and daughters (Senators and House of Reps) at the National Assembly, Agencies and Arms of the state and Federal governments to, as a matter of urgency, facilitate the completion of the DAM to put smiles on the faces of our people as the benefits accruable from the Dam will be monumental to the lives of our people.

Let's join hands together and make Nsukka Great!