The Gombe state ACReSAL has carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the 17km Balanga dam canal at the instance of the State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya with the aim of refurbishing the canals to boost water supply and irrigation in the surrounding communities and the state.

Addressing members of the surrounding communities at the Palace of the Baala Waja, the Gombe State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Dr. Sani Adamu Jauro said the project has been mandated by the state Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to aid in refurbishing the 17km Balanga Dam canal so as to ease the irrigation farming system within nearby communities and further within the state.

He said the government is aware that the Balanga Dam canal which was constructed in the 1980s has been used for water supply via canals and pipes without proper maintenance in the past resulting in the silting of the canals, rust and blocked of pipes.

Dr. Sani Adamu Jauro disclosed that the assessment exercise was part of the key project goals of the ACReSAL project to boost Agriculture, Water Resource Management, Ecosystem and Biodiversity, stressing that the refurbishment of the 17km Balanga Dam canal was a step towards achieving the project goals.

The Project Coordinator also revealed that the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa would also focus on improving the likelihood and the social welfare of the people.

He thanked Baala Waja, Alh. Danjuma Muhammad for his usual warm reception and assured him that this development will be of immense help and benefit to the land, the state and the nation at large.

In his response, HRH Alh. Danjuma Muhammad appreciated Gov. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for intervening in refurbishing the canals and commended the Gombe state ACReSAL project for adding value to agricultural activities and dryland management within the state.

The consulting team together with the Gombe state ACReSAL team during the on-the-spot assessment visit were Prof. Babagana Mohammed (Structures and environmental Engineering), Engr. Ali Gwani (Mechanical Engineering), Engr. Isa’ac Grant (Agriculture and Water Resources).

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