The World Bank and the Sokoto State Government are committing the sum of N9 billion to the rehabilitation of Lugu Dam and the resuscitation of the famed Wurno Irrigation Scheme in Wurno Local Government Area of the state.
Of the sum, Sokoto is committing N1.33 billion, while the World Bank and other partners will provide the balance.
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal disclosed this when he led government officials on an inspection visit to the area.
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal disclosed this when he led government officials on an inspection visit to the area.
Tambuwal said, “As you can see, the people here, who are mostly farmers, have been adversely affected by the collapse of the dam as a result of serious flooding some few years back. We are working with the World Bank under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project to fix the collapsed portion of the dam at Gidan Modi Lugu and in general, revive the Wurno Irrigation Scheme.
“The renovation work comprises construction of spill ways, rehabilitation of reservoirs and river bank embankment, construction of additional canals and desilting of existing ones as well as construction of access roads.”
“The renovation work comprises construction of spill ways, rehabilitation of reservoirs and river bank embankment, construction of additional canals and desilting of existing ones as well as construction of access roads.”
According to him, the importance of the dam to the socio-economic development of the area could not be over-emphasised, adding that the project would be completed so as to provide job opportunities for the people and enhance food security.
The governor commended the residents of Lugu and surrounding areas for their dedication to farming, saying the state government derived a large chunk of its revenue from cash crops cultivated in the axis.
He said the government was encouraged by the success of crops like wheat and sesame in surrounding areas like Illela, and would be introducing similar crops to Wurno.
“You have made a name for yourselves in the cultivation of onions and garlic. But due to its high economic value and demand, government will encourage you to introduce sesame and wheat. We have the farmlands to mix them with our traditional crops. We are giving necessary incentives to farmers to cultivate these crops in the state,” Tambuwal added.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Environment, Bello Sifawa, said government would ensure the completion of the project within a reasonable time frame.
Sifawa assured that the project would meet global standards upon completion.
