HJRBDA MD Tours Key Dams, Irrigation, and Power Projects
By Mustapha Salisu
The Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), Alhaji Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, has led a high-level management team on a familiarization tour of critical dams, irrigation schemes, and hydroelectric projects under the authority’s jurisdiction.
The comprehensive tour covered major water infrastructure sites, including:
•Challawa Gorge Dam – Capacity: 962 million cubic meters
•Tiga Dam – Capacity: 1.968 billion cubic meters
•Ruwan Kanya River Storage – Capacity: 50 million cubic meters
During the inspection visits, the team identified several operational challenges such as damaged instrumentation, faulty pipelines, and other maintenance-related issues. These concerns, the MD noted, require urgent attention to ensure the continuous and efficient operation of these facilities.
The tour also included site visits to hydroelectric power generation projects initiated by the Kano State Government at Challawa and Tiga Dams. The MD reaffirmed HJRBDA’s commitment to supporting sustainable energy generation and effective water resource management through collaborative efforts.
The delegation concluded the tour with an interactive session with the Water Users Association (WUA) at the Kano River Irrigation Project (KRIP) office in Kura. Addressing the gathering, Alh. Bichi clarified that water usage charges are not taxes but fees for essential services rendered to sustain and improve irrigation infrastructure.
In their response, the farmers requested support in the form of tractors and combined harvesters to aid the forthcoming planting season. The Managing Director acknowledged the request and assured them that it would be given prompt consideration to boost agricultural productivity.
Alh. Bichi reiterated HJRBDA’s dedication to enhancing water resource management, maintaining critical infrastructure and supporting farmers to increase food production and economic growth in the region
He emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration in addressing ongoing challenges and unlocking the full potential of the river basin’s resources.
In his closing remarks, Alh. Bichi extended gratitude to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation. He pledged HJRBDA’s commitment to vigorously implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda on Food Security and the Irrigate Nigeria Project, in alignment with national priorities.
The Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority is a Federal Government agency mandated with the development and management of water resources for irrigation, hydropower generation, and other socio-economic purposes within its operational catchment areas.
