Gov. Tambuwal at Goronyo Dam in Sokoto state
By Abdallah elKurebe
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state has called on the Federal Government to concession all Dams that are situated in various states for the state governments that are interested in managing them, observing that such state governments would put such Dams to better use for the benefit of their people.
The governor who spoke when he inspected irrigation works at the Goronyo Dam in Sokoto further observed that it would be more economically viable if states were allowed to manage the Dams since they benefit directly from its resources.
According to Tambuwal, “Almost all the citizens who use the Dams for irrigation and other purposes are under the care of the state governments, so it will be economically wise if FG can concession the Dams and allow us to manage it,” he said.
The governor who addressed some farmers and fishermen in Goronyo on the significance of water resources available in the area, stressed that the Dam was a great asset to Sokoto state and had played a big role in boosting farming activities among the local populace.
He added that he would specifically request the Federal Government to allow Sokoto state to begin to handle the operations of the Dam.
“Because of the importance of the Dam,” he said, “the government, along with a private firm, Erisco Foods Ltd, will set up a $250m tomato processing factory in the area in order to allow farmers have their products processed within their localities.”
Additionally, Tambuwal said that the government would set up state commodity marketing board to ensure fair pricing for farmers and their produce as a way of maintaining economic stability for farm produce all year round.
He also restated that efforts were being made by government to increase the farming capacity of the local communities by attracting tractor assembling company to the state.
Posted by Abdallah el-kurebe
