The Kano State House of Assembly has called on the state government to ensure the completion of the expansion of the irrigation scheme at Watari Dam in Bagwai Local Government Area.
The call followed deliberations on the floor of the House during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Jibril Isma’il Falgore.
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Presenting a motion on the Watari Dam irrigation project, the member representing Bagwai/Shanono Constituency, Hon. Ali Lawan Alhassan, said the dam was constructed in 1988 to support fishing, flood control, irrigation and water supply to communities across parts of northern Kano.
The lawmaker explained that a contract for the expansion of the irrigation scheme was awarded in 2022 by the Islamic Development Bank in collaboration with the Kano State Government under the Kano State Agro-Development Project.
According to him, the project was designed to provide irrigation facilities for about 1,000 hectares of farmland and boost agricultural activities among farmers in the area.
Hon. Ali Lawan Alhassan, however, expressed concern that the project had been abandoned, with the contractor reportedly vacating the site.
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He said the abandonment had left open holes on farmlands, posing serious risks and creating hardship for residents of the affected communities.
The lawmaker therefore urged the House to constitute a committee to thoroughly investigate the project, including the contract-awarding process, and make appropriate recommendations for further action.
The motion was seconded by the member representing Tudun Wada Constituency, Hon. Lawan Sule Shuwaki.
In a related development, the House also urged the Kano State Government to construct drainage channels to provide a safer and more conducive environment for residents of Makera town in Fagwalawa Ward of Dambatta Local Government Area.
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The motion was moved by the member representing Dambatta Constituency, Hon. Murtala Musa Kore.
After extensive deliberations, the House adopted both motions and called for appropriate action by the state government.