By Queen Kunde
The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has begun the first phase of installing five modern floaters on River Benue to provide a reliable water supply for the Food Basket Brewery, marking another major step in the Benue State Government’s industrialisation programme.
The floaters will serve as part of the brewery’s Water Sedimentation and Reservoir Plant, ensuring a steady supply of water for brewing while creating the capacity to supply excess treated water to Makurdi and nearby communities.
Speaking on the development, the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, CFA, described the project as a key part of the brewery’s water treatment infrastructure.
He explained that water is one of the most important raw materials in beer production, adding that drawing water directly from River Benue will guarantee long-term water security, lower production costs and improve the brewery’s operational efficiency.
According to him, the project will pave the way for the Food Basket Brewery to begin full-scale production by providing the dependable water infrastructure needed to increase output.
Dr. Asemakaha said the initiative is in line with the vision of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia to industrialise Benue through strategic investments that create jobs, promote local manufacturing and drive economic growth.
Beyond supporting brewery operations, the water project is also expected to improve water availability for residents of Makurdi and surrounding communities, delivering benefits to both industry and the public.