Water from Bakalori Dam floods Sokoto farms

Water released from the Bakolori Dam in Zamfara has flooded 317 farmlands in Sokoto State, washing away produce, according to the News Agency of Nigeria. The flood ravaged four villages in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State, a distance of about 95 kms from the dam.

Alhaji Gidado Shuni, the Secretary to the local government, who confirmed this, said the release of the water was sudden.
He listed the villages affected to include: Raha, Gigane, Tsamiya and Dan’Ali.

According to him, 317 farmlands belonging to 206 irrigation farmers were affected while assorted farm produce were washed away.

“The farm produce included groundnut, soya beans, cowpea and onions.”

Shuni said that the local government had set up a committee to ascertain the extent of damage caused by the flood.

“We intend to assist the victims to alleviate their sufferings as soon as the committee completes its assignment.”

He urged farmers to remain calm and assured them that government would assist them.

Shuni appealed to the authorities of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority to always give adequate notice before releasing water from Goronyo and Bakalori dams.

“This is to enable us to prepare the minds of the farmers so that they can take the necessary precautions,” Shuni added.

Alhaji Yusuf Khalid, the Managing Director, Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, told NAN that the water was released following a request from the Sokoto State Water Board.

“The board had in December 2012, requested us to urgently release water to enable it to supply enough potable water to the people.

“We appeal to the farmers to bear with us as the problem was caused by the emergency nature of the request.

“That ugly scenario will not repeat itself again,” Khalid assured.