Owerri, Nov. 23, 2023 – The Federal Government has approved the partial commercialisation of the 12 river basin development authorities to make them sustainable and commercially viable.
Joesph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, disclosed this during a familiariation visit to Anambra Imo River Basin Development Authority(AIRBDA) in Owerri, Imo state.
He said the partial commercialization of river basin authorities was to reposition them and make then for more viable.
He called on credible investors to invest more in the water sector, adding there were some other steps being taken by the government to revitalise the river basin development authorities.
The minister also said government would make the Songhai Integrated Model Farm to produce more foods, train youths in agribusiness, empower graduates and youths as well as provide jobs.
He said the ministry would pay greater attention to the expansion of irrigation development, while reactivating the existing moribund schemes across the country.
“Accordingly, we will explore innovative ways and means of reviving the Lower Anambra Irrigation Project (LAIP) which is the single largest rice irrigation project in the Southeast zone with huge potential for food security, wealth creation, poverty reduction, and job creation.” (GBN)
