Editor
By Fatima Saka
The Distinguished Minister of State, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., has urgently appealed for the continued assistance of the World Bank to hasten the ongoing restoration of the Goronyo Dam for the benefit of the local farmers.
This request was made during a courtesy visit by World Bank Country Director, Mr. Ndiame Diop, to the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, and himself on Wednesday, in Abuja.
The discussions centered on three flagship projects supported by the World Bank: TRIMING, SURWASH, and the upcoming SPIN project.
Rt. Hon. Goronyo emphasized the pressing need for repairs to the Goronyo Dam spillway gates, which have become inoperable following their conversion to automated systems.
The Minister of State underscored the necessity of expediting reinforcement and repairs to optimize the benefits of irrigation projects and bolster the President’s agricultural production agenda.
He further highlighted the significance of ongoing collaboration to enhance food security nationwide.
Mr. Ndiame Diop reaffirmed the World Bank’s dedication to partnering on WASH and irrigation initiatives.
He emphasized the importance of the forthcoming mid-term review, which will be pivotal in ensuring technical support and capacity building through evidence-based activities.
He also guaranteed that substantial issues concerning dams would be effectively addressed within the framework of the SPIN project.
The visit was attended by directors from the Ministry, as well as the Honourable Ministers’ Special Assistants, Technical Assistants, and Senior Water Specialists from the World Bank office.
