The Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Goronyo, has expressed disappointment over the delayed Talum irrigation project in Adamawa State, worth N128 million.
Following an inspection visit to the project site at Kiri, Shelleng Local Government Area, Goronyo revealed that the government has summoned the contractor, American West Africa Agro, responsible for the project.
The Talum irrigation project falls under the jurisdiction of the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (UBRBDA), Yola.
The inspection revealed unsatisfactory progress, prompting the minister to emphasize that the era of abandoning projects is over.
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Goronyo stressed the need for contractors to implement awarded contracts to ensure Nigerians get value for their money.
In a statement, the minister asserted, “There is no way somebody can be awarded a contract and sleep without implementing it. What I did is a clear demonstration that we are on the ground following the bid of contracts we have awarded and making sure they’re completed and delivered to Nigerian people. So, I summoned the contractor to meet me in Abuja on Monday to discuss the issue.”
Abubakar Muazu, the Managing Director of UBRBDA, acknowledged the minister’s visit and highlighted the importance of water as a capital-intensive venture.
Muazu suggested exploring public-private partnerships to improve water infrastructure, citing the example of the Dangote Sugar refinery, which has not yet reached 60 percent of its water capacity.
During the inspection, the minister also visited the Kiri Dam facility and Dangote Sugar refinery, both of which generate water from the dam.
The focus on water projects aligns with the government’s commitment to addressing water resource challenges and ensuring the completion of critical infrastructure projects.
The minister concluded his visit with courtesy calls on the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, and the Lamido of Adamawa, Dr. Barkindo Mustapha.
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