Revive Kafin Zaki Dam Project, Governor Bala Urges FG
The Federal Government of Nigeria has been urged to prioritize the revival of the long-neglected Kafin Zaki dam project in Bauchi State, as an essential initiative to enhance agriculture and livestock development in the North-East region.
This appeal was made by State Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed during a courtesy visit from the management of the Hadeja/Jama’are River Basin Development Authority at the Governor’s Office on Wednesday.
The delegation was led by the Managing Director of the River Basin Authority, Rabi’u Suleman Bichi.
Governor Bala highlighted that upon completion, the dam project would not only generate thousands of employment opportunities but also fortify food security and irrigation activities within the benefiting communities.
The Governor, who characterized the Kafin Zaki Dam as a vital agricultural infrastructure with the capacity to transform the economic prospects of Bauchi and neighboring states, urged the Authority to collaborate closely with the state government to eliminate all impediments to its realization.
He also underscored the importance of the Authority ensuring equitable distribution of developmental projects across all states within its operational remit, emphasizing that such fairness would promote regional integration, harmony, and a collective sense of advancement among beneficiary communities.
He stated that Bauchi State stands ready to engage in initiatives that advance irrigation, youth empowerment, and sustainable water resource management.
The Governor commended the Authority for its interventions in the state, notably in comparison to other federal agencies.
However, he expressed concerns over neglected and mismanaged projects, particularly the Galala Dam and other initiatives affected by encroachment and sedimentation, exacerbating flooding in areas such as Gamawa and Katagum. He stressed the urgency to address these issues.
While assuring the management of the state government’s unwavering support, Bala Mohammed emphasized that without serious engineering interventions, some towns may face erosion.
He also called upon the Authority to establish additional offices within the state, assist in training extension workers, and foster closer collaboration with Bauchi’s ministries and representatives to execute tangible, community-focused projects.
Earlier, Bichi revealed that the Federal Government has allocated N97 billion for various initiatives across the benefiting communities, encompassing water resources management, irrigation development, and youth empowerment.
He praised the state government for complementing the Federal Government’s efforts in ensuring food security through the implementation of commendable agricultural development initiatives.
He enumerated several ongoing and planned projects in Bauchi State, including the rehabilitation of the Galala Dam, the expansion of the Katagum Irrigation Project, and the Home garden programs initiated by the First Lady, among other endeavors.
He explained that the Galala Dam and Katagum projects alone are poised to develop over 11,000 hectares of irrigable land, potentially revolutionizing Bauchi’s agricultural productivity.
Rabi’u, however, expressed concern over encroachment on lands designated for irrigation around Galala and appealed to the Governor for assistance in reclaiming these areas for continued development.
He also reiterated the Authority’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Bauchi State Government in support of enduring solutions to food security, flooding, and enhancing rural livelihoods.
