Kebbi Govt Engages Professionals To Restore Water Flow To Argungu River

The Kebbi State Government has deployed professionals in water engineering to design a concept that will allow uninterrupted flow of water to the tributary to “Matan Fada River”, venue of the famous Argungu fishing festival.

According to the Press Statement Signed by YAHAYA SARKI, Special Adviser (SA) to Kebbi State Governor on Media and Publicity.

Inflow of water to the spot has been stalled as a result of an embankment constructed at a location known as Gurbin Manu in Garin Dabai, Augie Local Government Area.

Consequently, the Matan Fada River has dried up as well as the water ways passing through communities in seven local government areas with negative impact on agriculture, fishing and domestic chores including human and animal consumption.

On receipt of a letter of complaint from the Emir of Argungu on the issue, Governor Nasir Idris, despatched four Commissioners to accompany water engineers to the spot of the embankment for inspection prelude to designing appropriate concept for a permanent solution to the problem that would restore free flow of water to the tributary supplying Matan Fada river and Mala in Argungu which also extends to Dukku in the state capital Birnin Kebbi and Bunza, emptying in the River Niger.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Shehu Mu’azu, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Bello Abdullahi Kaoje, the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Security, Alhaji Sama’ila Yakubu Augie under the leadership of the Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Musa Muhammad Tungulawa visited the scene this Wednesday, in company of the Magajin Garin Kabi, Engineer Aminu Musa who represented the Emir of Argungu.

Speaking to newsmen at the site, the Magajin Gari said the problem was beyond the capacity of the Emirate Council and appealed to the Kebbi state government for an immediate intervention.

He made it clear that the source of water emanated from Goronyo river in Sokoto State flowing to the tributary serving Argungu and several other towns and villages, but the diversion of water has affected the livelihood of hundreds of farmers, fishermen and households.

Speaking separately, the Commissioners on the entourage affirmed the commitment of Governor Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, to provide long time remedy to mitigate the diversion of the river by restoring uninterrupted flow of water to the tributary serving all communities.

They made it clear that Comrade, Dr. Nasir Idris was deeply concerned about their plight which he has vowed to redress.

“This is the reason the government engaged water engineering experts for an immediate solution to the matter”, the commissioners assured.

The Director, Planning, Ministry for Water Resources, Engineer Atiku Umar also briefed journalists on the technical aspect of work to be done to return to normality.

Afterwards, the delegation stopped over at the Palace of the Emir of Argungu to relay to him the message of Governor Nasir Idris about his resolve to restoring water flow to the Matan Fada tributary permanently.

In response, the Monarch, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, sincerely thanked Comrade, Dr. Kauran Gwandu for his intervention to solve the problem of water diversion going to the Matan Fada river, bringing succour to farming and fishing communities along the tributary.