About six communities behind Kangimi dam in Kaduna state have raised alarm over the appearance of cracks on the walls of the dam and called on relevant agencies to as a matter of urgency take the necessary measures to forestall its total break down.
The communities namely Gobirawa, Ruhogi, Barkonu, Cikaji, likoro and Unguwar Yamman likoro with Girkawa are located behind the dam in Igabi Local Government Area of the state.
Head, Association of Fishermen residing alone the Kaduna River, Malam Usman Jikan Mudi who alerted the media in a statement issued yesterday said, "The dam had developed this problem since last year due to heavy rainfall when a thunder strike heated the wall of the dam, and since then, the dam has developed some cracks and these cracks are really scaring."
He said, "Thousands of residents of these communities, including fishermen, farmers and cattlebreaders arw residing there with their family in those villages are afraid of what will happen to them when the dam breaks, and that is why we are alerting the relevant government agencies to take proactive steps to seal the cracks urgently."
Usman lamented that the association had written series of complain letters to state Water Board to inspect the dam all to no avail saying, "It seems, they do not care about the lives of the people that are residing behind the dam, that is why do not care to come and do something about it."
He pointed out that presently water is coming out and grass is growing around the area where the crack has appeared adding, " The danger of what will follow is what they are trying to avert."
Usman then appealed to Human Right Organization, Civil Society Organization and other Non-Governmental Oganization to come to their aid and ensure the dam is repaired urgently.
Mai Unguwa of one of the affected communities, Gobirawa, Umaru Gobirawa said, "Since the announcement of a crack in the dam in October, 2017 when thunder struck at the barricade of the dam’s water passage, most family are finding it extremely difficult to sleep with their two eyes close because of fear of what is going to happen to them when its breaks."
Responding on behalf of Kaduna state government, Counselor on Information and Communication to the governor, Saidu Adamu assured that the governemnt will look in to the problem and tackle it promptly.
He said, "I am going to take the matter to the state governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai in other to find a solution to this problem and I am calling on the people to stay calm and continue with their normal bussiness."
