The House of Representatives has decided to launch a full investigation into the abandoned N22.58 billion Kajola Multi-Purpose Dam project in Osun State, a construction saga that has stretched for over two decades.
The project, which began with a contract awarded in 2004 to Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) for N2.24 billion (with a 24-month timeline—a classic Nigerian timeline, it seems), was mobilized in 2008 and eventually abandoned at only 40% completion due to funding issues.
Here’s the plot twist:
• The project cost has been revised twice, skyrocketing from the initial N2.24 billion to N10.87 billion in 2011, and finally ballooning to N22.58 billion by 2022.
• Despite the massive budget increase, the dam remains a ghost site.
Sponsored by Hon. Abimbola Ajilesoro, the motion highlighted that the failure to complete the dam has deprived residents of 11 local government areas in Osun and Ondo States of vital water supply, alongside missing out on benefits like hydropower, irrigation, and flood control.
The investigation will focus on determining the total funds released since 2004, assessing the project’s current status, and ensuring public funds were actually put to use. Basically, they want to find out where the 22.58 billion naira went, because it certainly didn’t build a dam.
About The Author
