Kano State government has appealed to the federal government to repair some dams that have developed faults in the state to enhance irrigation and facilitate food security.
The appeal was made by the state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, while receiving the minister of water resources, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, yesterday, who was at the Government House on a visit during a familiarisation tour of the state.
According to Governor Yusuf, who was represented by his deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam, Kano State has 21 dams that are used for irrigation farming.
He however, stated that some of the dams are in need of urgent repairs to avoid flooding that could cause loss of lives and properties in a wide range of locations.
He disclosed that the state government had noticed that some of the dams have developed cracks, blockage and other problems that need urgent attention, adding that the government had since constituted a committee to itemise the condition of the dams.
While appealing to the minister to support the government in repairing the dams, he explained that they contribute to the economic development of the state through irrigation farming that offers job opportunities to the populace.
“Kano has 21 dams that help in boosting irrigation farming that contribute to the economic development of the state and provide job opportunities.
“That is why the government of Abba Yusuf swung into action to repair the dams in order to boost agricultural activities. Some of the dams including Tiga, Kaura Goje, Kaka, Thomas ‘, among others, have already formed a committee for their repair.
“We therefore appeal to the federal government to help us repair all the 21 dams because some of them had been established for more than five decades,” he said.
In his remarks, the minister sought collaboration with state governments, including Kano towards achieving water supply and agricultural development in the country.
Utsev noted that there are several water and agricultural schemes that Kano is enjoying, adding that the state is key to the ministry’s goals of providing potable and steady water supply in the whole country.
“We also have facilities in Kano State. So, in the course of collaboration, we appeal to the Kano State government to ensure safety of those facilities.
“We are here to seek collaboration and partnership with state the government to see how we can provide potable water for people of the state and the nation as a whole.
“We have agricultural and water supply schemes in Kano with different facilities in Kano. We are looking forward to seeing how these facilities are maintained and safe,” he said.
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