ASSESSMENT OF KIRI LAKE AND ITS UNDER-UTILISED POTENTIALS

Abstract

Abstract

The water impounded by Kiri Lake is assumed to be only partially been used. At the moment, only 1.3% of the annual design impoundment is put into use from the lake by Savannah Sugar Company. That means over 98% of the impoundment is idle. This is at the same time when the region around the lake is desperately in need of irrigation water, stable electricity supply and portable tap water. This paper focused on identifying the unutilized potentials of the Lake. The potentials are identified by reviewing literatures about the region and the lake. Considering the available literatures about Kiri dam, Kiri Lake, the soil properties around the lake and Nigeria’s population and its economic situation, the following potentials are identified; irrigation, water supply, hydroelectric power (HEP) generation and advance fishing. All the identified potentials are achievable, only if federal government of Nigeria will commit financial resources and sustainable policies. Achieving them will improve the economic situation in the country. Further studies on the cost, feasibility and sustainability policies are recommended.

Key words: Kiri Lake, Water, Potentials, Irrigation, HEP, Water Supply