By Marie-Therese Nanlong
The once-dormant Panyam Fish Farm in Plateau State has been transformed from an abandoned site into a flourishing agricultural hub, thanks to the leadership of Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Spanning 301 hectares, the farm now features 11 fully functional ponds stocked with fingerlings, improved access roads, and restored water sources from Kerang to maintain pond levels during the dry season. The facility, which had fallen into disrepair, is poised to reclaim its role as a major player in Plateau’s agricultural sector.
Mr. Kefas Yenle, who manages the Panyam Fish Farm, praised the government’s intervention, warning that without urgent action, the farm risked being lost entirely.
The revival of Panyam Fish Farm is part of a broader initiative by the Plateau State Government to address 49 abandoned projects inherited by the current administration. So far, 17 projects have been restored, marking significant progress in the state’s development agenda.
This achievement was highlighted during an inspection tour led by Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joyce Ramnap, alongside Commissioner for Works, Ubandoma Laven, and other government officials.
The team inspected key projects across the State, including the Pankshin-Lankan Road and Bridge, Kagu Road, Tilengdiyes Road, Mangu, Bwoi, Mushu Roads, and the Yelwa Water Treatment Plant.
Commissioner Ramnap explained that the projects were selected for their direct impact on citizens’ lives, affirming the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and service delivery.
“Out of the 49 abandoned projects, 17 have been successfully revived, many of which are near completion or ready for commissioning,” she stated.
Providing further details, Laven said the 17 revived road projects cover a combined 340.74 kilometers across the state’s three senatorial zones. Key routes include the Demshin Road, Jibam–Dokan Tofa Road, and Gungji–Shiwer Road, along with roads in Miango, Farin Lamba, and Garkawa–Shendam.
He assured residents that the administration is determined to tackle the backlog of over 3,000 kilometers of neglected roads, despite challenges like inflation and rising costs of construction.
At the Yelwa Water Treatment Plant, which had been inactive for over 15 years, rehabilitation efforts are already delivering results. Partnering with the World Bank, the project aims to supply water from natural ponds to Bukuru town, reducing reliance on the Yakubu Gowon Dam.
Engr. Apollos Samchi, Managing Director of Jos Water Service Corporation, noted that the plant will serve around 40,000 people, with pipeline extensions reaching communities like Gyel in Jos South Local Government Area.
The Plateau State Government has assured citizens that additional abandoned projects will be tackled in phases, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development and improved living standards for people across the State.
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