Minister Solicits World Bank Assistance For Speedy Rehabilitation Of Goronyo Dam Spillway
By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
The Minister of State, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., has urgently requested the continued support of the World Bank to accelerate the ongoing repairs of the Goronyo Dam for the benefit of the farmers in the area.
He made this appeal during a courtesy visit by World Bank Country Director, Mr. Ndiame Diop, to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, and himself recently in Abuja.
The discussions focused on three flagship projects supported by the World Bank: TRIMING, SURWASH, and the forthcoming SPIN project.
Goronyo, according to a statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, emphasized the immediate need for repairs to the Goronyo Dam spillway gates, which have become non-operational following their conversion to automatic systems.
He stressed the necessity of accelerating reinforcement and repairs to maximize the irrigation project’s benefits and support the President’s food production agenda. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration to enhance food security across the country.
Mr. Ndiame Diop reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to collaborating on WASH and irrigation projects. He underscored the importance of the upcoming mid-term review, which will be critical for ensuring technical assistance and capacity building through evidence-based activities.
He also assured that significant issues related to dams would be effectively addressed within the SPIN project framework.
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.
