Akanimo Kufre
The Federal Government has approved the Award of contract for the construction of Ijegu Yala Dam in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The Dam which is primarily for water supply, flood control and farm irrigation is expected to commence construction this year to aid large scale farming in the state.
The Managing Director of Cross River Basin Development Authority Engr. Bassey Nkposong who discloses this to newsmen in Calabar during a retreat organised for staff of the Authority said the take off of the Dam Project was a dream come true for the Authority and for the people of Cross River State.
Engr. Nkposong also disclosed that the Authority has taken over full Management of the Songhai Farms in Abi Local Government Area. Nkposong hinted that the project would soon be restored to its former glory.
Another lofty project conceived by the Authority is the establishment integrated farm settlement in the six senatorial districts, of the catchment.
He said already over 30 hectares of lands from each of the senatorial district have been freely given out for the proposed project which will be used as a pilot scheme for large scale farmers in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
He said the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding with Gab-Umoh Agricultural Services was aimed at the mass production of Rice for the catchment as well as providing a pilot scheme which will serve as reference point for Rice farmers in the catchment.
Engr. Nkposong said the Authority would attend the 2018 water day celebration with Rice produced from its farm.
With the appointment of a new board of Director for the Authority, the Managing Director said, the organisations organogram was complete and that the Authority was poised to deliver on its Mandate.
The Managing Director also used the occasion to commend the staff for their various contribution towards the success of the recently concluded procurement exercised, held within the Authority. While assuring that subsequent editions of the exercise will witness more improvement, he called on those doing business with the Authority to be selfless and to put community concerns ahead of their personal benefits.
On the importance of the retreat, the Authority’s Chief Executive Officer said it was aimed at fast tracking the Authority’s Development with a view to evolving innovative strategies that would positively impact on the organisation in the long run.
One of the highlights of the retreat was Get-together party which was attended by staff and executive directors of the Authority.
