Kano to spend N314.45m on dam repair

By Fanen Ihyongo, KanoThe Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP) will spend N314.45 million for the rehabilitation of Watari Irrigation Dam.The dam, located at the downstream of Watari in Bagwai Local Government Area, has the potential for cultivation of vast hectares of rice, vegetables, and other crops.KSADP Coordinator, Malam Ibrahim Garba Muhammad said the rehabilitation project will include repair of the gully erosion on the dams embankment, repair and de-silting of main canal and drainage as well as de-silting and repair of the storage reservoir.The Nation learnt that the dam and its auxiliary infrastructure have not been repaired since they were constructed over 40 years ago, in spite of their huge potential for agriculture and rural development.A statement by the Project Communication Specialist, Ameen Yassar, yesterday indicated that the dams embankment had been eroded and its canals blocked, which made the states irrigation scheme in the area to stop.While handing over the project site to the contractor, Hajaig Nigeria Limited, Muhammad said besides revamping the dam, additional 1,000 hectares of irrigation land will be created, to engage more people, especially in the area of farming.He appealed to stakeholders, particularly farmers, to guard and support the project.Muhammad said: KSADP is being funded and supported with grants by the Islamic Development Bank and the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF) to improve crop production and enhance livestock productivity.The Watari Irrigation Dam project is, therefore, one of the main activities we are going to conduct to achieve our goals.Kasem of the Hajaig Nigeria Limited assured that heavy equipment would be quickly mobilised to the site, to complete the work within three months.Yassar said, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje will inaugurate the repair of the dam.
Click here to read full news..