Sokoto state governor, Aminu Tambuwal has called on the Federal government to desilt Goronyo and Bakolori dams, in order to forestall the perennial flooding that occur in parts of the state.
The Governor made the call Wednesday while commiserating with the people of Goronyo and Rabah local government areas over the flood disaster that ravaged the areas.
The villages affected in Goronyo local government area include: Balla, Kagara, Boye Kai, Giyawa, Tsohon Garin Dole, among others while Gandi, Rara, Tsamiya and Yar Tsakuwa villages were also affected in Rabah local government area.
Many houses, farmlands, livestock and other infrastructure, were lost to the floods.
According to Tambuwal, the dams were congested with sand and debris, thereby increasing the chances of being overwhelmed and overflowing with rainwater.
He also called for the expansion and improvement of Falaliya Irrigation Scheme in Goronyo local government area, so as to improve food production in the state and the country at large.
While commiserating with the victims of the flooding, the governor explained that his administration was not unaware of their difficulties and hardship.
He maintained that the state government would send experts to assess the level of damages brought by the flood in terms of infrastructure, schools, farmlands, public offices and houses, as well as animals.
Tambuwal assured that the state government would also send relief materials to the victims.
He explained that the state government is working on the possibility of establishing a dam at Jiccini village in Rabah local government area, which will go along way in preventing future occurrences of flooding.
Tambuwal further announced that this year, the state government will support dry season farming to assist those who lost their crops to the flooding.
He stressed that the state government is working towards this not only because of the incidence of flooding but in order to reposition the state for agri-business; and to also minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the economy.
He also called on people of the area to continue to support the effort of the state government in collaboration with security agencies in restoring peace in some parts of the state.
