By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
North East Development Commission (NEDC) in collaboration with the federal government is to award contract for the resuscitation of the grounded power house and its accessories for revitalization of irrigation activities in the Chad basin that have been stopped by insecurity and destruction of machinery, facilities and equipments.
The commission would also complete road network linking Gongolon-Zabamari-Dusuman-Khaddamari and consider or review the return in full capacity of irrigation farming and rice production for both local and national consumption compared to foreign rice by resuscitation of the Jere Rice Mills operations in the area.
The Managing Director of NEDC, Ambassador Goni Mohammed Alkali stated this on Wednesday at the commission’s conference room while receiving a delegation of Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA) Maiduguri, led by the Acting Managing Director , Engr. Mohammed Zanna who led management team of the authority on a courtesy call on the MD, NEDC at the commission’s head office
He added that the commission was looking at the possibility of collaborating with the federal and state governments and other relevant partners to install a multi billion solar energy system in New Marte that would supply electricity steadily for the heavy irrigation machines as well as water channel pipes across the basin to boost agricultural activities , especially irrigation and further create job opportunities .
The MD, NEDC noted also that with the solar energy in course, socio economic activities and food security will improve if not attract growth and development in the Chad Basin alongside agricultural and commercial activities back to ita lost glory before the insurgency.
He also disclosed that the commission has awarded contract for the Gamboru Ngala irrigation project and also awarded contract for the resuscitation of Alau Dam equipment and facilities to control off surge , flooding and dredging of the dam among others in Konduga area
Amb. Goni, however, expressed delight for the visit and assured the management of the CBDA that the commission is always willing to collaborate with the authority and similar organizations to improve and develop agricultural and commercial activities of the Chad Basin in the overall interest of the people and governments of the north east sub region.
He further promises to continue with its gesture in palliatives to the CBDA staff to empower them, enhance their irrigation farming in using host communities with irrigation pump machines and other fishing and farming kits to boost their occupations and enhance development in the basin, while advising the authority to forward its proposals and requests to his office for consideration.
Responding, the Acting Managing Director, Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA), Engr. Mohammed Zanna appreciated the NEDC Executive and management staff while reaffirming the position of the authority to partner the commission on reviving the the Chad Basin Development Authority operations and improve on the staff’s performance, among others.
Highlights of the event include presentation of documents and group photographs among others.
