[4][5] Its purpose is to provide flood control and water for municipal use along with the irrigation of 70 ha (173 acres) of land.

[8][9] In May 2010, the river was diverted and by August of the same year, over 1,042,000 m3 (1,362,885 cu yd) of rock and stone had been excavated from the site.

It was attended by Japanese and U.S. officials (due to the dam's location within the U.S. Marine Central Training Area).

Its wide base provides the required strength while the concrete coating seals the embankment and adds to its durability.

[4] The dam's crest lies at an elevation of 29 m (95 ft) and sits at the head of a 14.6 km2 (6 sq mi) catchment.