Best International Project
Zutari for Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam and Hydropower Station, Nigeria
T
he preliminary design of the
From the early stage of the project back in
and ensure a zero-clash approach, which
Kashimbila Multipurpose
2009, Zutari was responsible for the entire
facilitated the construction.
Dam on the Katsina-Ala River
design for all engineering disciplines – such
in Nigeria’s Taraba state
as civil, structural, hydrological, geotechnical,
throughout the design and construction
was initially focused solely on the dam’s
electrical and mechanical – for the detailed
period but were all overcome using a
functioning as a buffer, in case the natural
design of the dam, outlet works, the
teamwork approach, which resulted in the
embankment of Lake Nyos in Cameroon
hydropower station, the transmission
first filling of the dam in 2017, followed by
failed. As the design process progressed
towers, line route/profile and substations, as
the successful commissioning of the power
through a more multipurpose approach,
well as the irrigation component.
station, transmission line and substations in
the capacity of the dam was increased to
The company also provided the necessary
Several challenges were experienced
February 2020. Nigerians can now enjoy additional power
provide irrigation and potable water to the
advice and project management services
surrounding towns and villages, as well as
to the contractor for the appointment of
on their very strained grid, potable water
for the generation of hydropower.
several specialist suppliers.
and power supply to the surrounding
Some key project components designed by
Zutari’s innovative and out-of-the-box
community, and can look forward to the
Zutari were:
thinking led to several changes in the initial
construction of the irrigation schemes, which
• a 36 m high composite dam
concept of the project, which resulted in a
is soon scheduled to commence.
• a 40 MW hydropower station
better project better serving the people of
• a network integration that includes
Nigeria, as well as the surrounding community.
some 210 km of double-circuit 132 kV transmission line and six new substations.
Zutari used state-of-the-art technology to improve the quality of design, to present
The project had a huge positive impact
it to the client and, more importantly, to
for Nigeria and is one of its showcase
integrate the various elements of the project
presidential projects. Benefits to the local
PROJECT TEAM
Client: Nigerian Federal Ministries of Water Resources and Power (via SCC Nigeria) Consulting engineer: Zutari (previously Aurecon) Main contractor: SCC Nigeria
community include job creation, potable water supply, electrification, and an improved transmission network to this region of the country.
C E S A A o n E n g i n e e r i n g E x c e l l e n c e Aw a r d s 2 0 2 0
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