Food Security: FG Wants SRRBDA To Embrace Partial

Commercialization

By Georgina Humphrey

The Federal Government has urged the Sokoto-Rima River Basin Development Authority, SRRBDA, to embrace partial commercialization of the river basin and leverage the numerous opportunities at their disposal for increased food production and agricultural sustainability.

Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, made the call during a meeting with staff of the River Basin, in Sokoto state.

He explained that partial commercialization of the River Basin would attract capable investors to contribute and foster increased food production.

“This will reduce hunger, poverty, unemployment and create wealth among youths, men and women in the country, in line with the Food Security Agenda of Mr. President” he noted.

The Minister commended the Sokoto-Rima River Basin Development Authority’s management for the significant infrastructural development both completed and ongoing at the Headquarters which includes the Songhai Model Integrated Farm with cultivated crops in greenhouses, poultry, python, goat/ram, and fishery sections, along with a sachet water production factory.

During the tour, the Minister also visited the 15 year old Shagari Dam with a 70 percent completion level and the yet to be completed water treatment plant for the drip-irrigation pilot scheme site in Sagi (Agare) town, Sokoto State.

The team also visited the Goronyo Dam where the inspection covered the Control Room, Arc Gate Control Cabinet, Major Spillway, Gantry Crane, Mini Spillway, and Cross Regulator, all of which play a crucial role in regulating the major irrigation canal in Goronyo Local Government Area.

The Minister also inspected the Bakolori Dam with a reservoir of about 400 million cubic meters of water, along with the SRRBDA Bakolori Irrigation project managed by Triming in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State.

Similarly the minister inaugurated the SRRBDA Songhai Model Integrated Farm in Saka Village, Chinaka District of Goronyo Local Government Area, the Songhai Model Integrated Farm in Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State, one of the catchment areas of the SRRBDA.

While commending the SRRBDA’s achievements in completing projects, the Minister emphasized the crucial need for project sustainability and inclusive involvement of all stakeholders adding that this approach wiĺl ensure optimal value for the government’s investment in these critical projects and assets.

Edited By Grace Namiji