By Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman
The Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), Alhaji Rabiu Suleiman Bichi (FNIQS), recently led the authority’s management team on an extensive familiarization tour of major dams, irrigation schemes, and hydroelectric projects within their jurisdiction.
The tour included visits to several vital water storage facilities: Challawa Gorge Dam, with a capacity of 962 million cubic meters; Tiga Dam, capable of holding 1.968 billion cubic meters; and the Ruwan Kanya River Storage, with a 50 million cubic meter capacity.
During the inspections, the team identified several operational challenges that need urgent attention. These include damaged instrumentation, faulty pipes, and other maintenance issues that could affect the optimal performance of the facilities.
In addition to the dams, the management team assessed hydroelectric power generation projects launched by the Kano State Government at both Challawa and Tiga Dams.
This review reaffirmed HJRBDA’s commitment to promoting sustainable energy and effective water resource management across the region.
The visit concluded with a productive meeting with the Water Users Association (WUA) at the Kano River Irrigation Project (KRIP) office in Kura. Addressing the farmers, Alhaji Bichi clarified that water charges collected are not taxes but payments for critical services provided by the authority to maintain and enhance irrigation infrastructure.
Farmers in attendance used the opportunity to appeal for the provision of tractors and combined harvesters ahead of the upcoming planting season.
The Managing Director assured them that their requests would be considered promptly to support increased agricultural productivity in the area.
Reiterating the authority’s commitment to sustainable development, Alhaji Bichi emphasized the importance of improving water resource management, maintaining infrastructure, and supporting farmers to boost food security and economic growth.
He urged continuous collaboration among all stakeholders to overcome challenges and fully harness the river basin’s resources.
In his closing remarks, Alhaji Bichi expressed gratitude to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for the opportunity to serve the Nigerian people and pledged to vigorously implement the Renewed Hope Agenda on food security and the Irrigate Nigeria project.
The Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority is a federal agency tasked with the development and management of water resources for irrigation, hydropower, and other socio-economic activities within its catchment areas.