(Ecofin Agency) - The Government of Sokoto state in partnership with the World Bank is committing N9billion ($28.8 million) to renovate the collapsed Lugu Dam and revive the Wurno Irrigation Scheme in the state. Out of the $28.8 million, the state will be committing $4.2million while the World Bank will provide the remaining $24.6million.

“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 (NEWMAP) to fix the collapsed portion of the dam at Gidan Modi Lugu and in general revive the Wurno irrigation scheme,” Aminu Tambuwal (photo), the Governor of Sokoto state, revealed.

According to him, the dam holds a key position in the socio-economic development of the area as the State’s government derives a lot of revenues from cash crops production there. He said the rehabilitation project includes the construction of spillways, rehabilitation of reservoirs and river bank embankment, construction of additional canals as well as the construction of access roads.

The project, once completed, will create jobs, and enhance food security in the state.

Anita Fatunji