By Khadijah Aliyu
The completion of the 9-kilometre road project linking Nasaru to Galala Dam in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State has been described as a major boost to irrigation farming and agricultural activities in the area.
The Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Haruna Dan-Yahaya, stated this when he led traditional rulers and officials of the Water Users Association on a thank-you visit to the headquarters of the Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA) in Kano.
The delegation was received by the Managing Director of the Authority, Rabi’u Suleman Bichi.
Represented by the District Head of Nasaru, Alhaji Mas’ud At-Tahir, the Emir expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the HJRBDA for completing the road project, saying it would facilitate the movement of farmers, agricultural inputs and farm produce.
According to him, the improved road network would provide safer and easier access to the irrigation scheme while stimulating economic activities among residents of the area.
The monarch also commended the Authority for the ongoing construction of a 19.270-kilometre access road from Nasaru to the Galala Irrigation Scheme site.
He further expressed appreciation for plans to expand the irrigation area from 250 to 2,500 hectares, as well as the provision of solar power systems for hydro pumps and the rehabilitation of Galala Dam.
“We are short of words to thank the Federal Government for the completion of this project. It is very important as it will boost our economy and pave the way for transporting farm produce without difficulty,” he said.
Responding, the Managing Director of HJRBDA, Rabi’u Suleiman Bichi, explained that the road project was originally scheduled for completion earlier but was delayed by persistent rainfall, which affected construction activities.
He said the Authority decided to commence and complete the work after the rainy season, assuring the delegation that the commitment had now been fulfilled.
On the rehabilitation of Galala Dam, Bichi disclosed that the Authority had deployed a team of engineers to the site to develop a comprehensive project plan.
He said work on the dam had progressed significantly and would be completed and commissioned ahead of the next irrigation farming season.
The Managing Director also disclosed that the Authority had engaged the Bauchi State Government over the acquisition of additional land for an expanded irrigation scheme, including a proposed dam with a storage capacity of about 400 million cubic metres of water.
According to him, the proposed projects are aimed at expanding irrigation farming, supporting agricultural production and exploring hydroelectric power generation in Bauchi State.
“These are gigantic projects, and I assure you that this administration will commence their execution, even if I may not be able to complete them,” Bichi said.
He thanked the Emir and members of the delegation for recognising the Authority’s efforts towards improving irrigation infrastructure and agricultural development in the area.
Editing By Godwin Duru
