ATASP-1 Inaugurates Revamped Pumping Station To Anambra -Imo Basin Authority
The Federal Government has handed over the rehabilitated Lower Anambra Irrigation Project (LAIP) Water Pumping Station in Ifite-Ogwari in Ayamelum, Anambra to the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA).
The project which was executed under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase One (ATASP-1), was officially handed over to AIRBDA in Ifite-Ogwari in Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra on Friday.
Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Arabi, the National Programme Coordinator of ATASP-1, said the project was a major milestone in the Federal Government’s effort to modernise agriculture and boost dry-season farming.
Arabi, who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, affirmed the commitment of the Federal Government towards strengthening food security through expanded irrigation and all-year-round farming.
Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA) during a ceremony attended by government officials, farmers and community leaders.
Arabi, who was represented by Mr Usman Abdullahi, the National Programme Civil Engineer, said the irrigation scheme would enhance food production and support sustainable farming across the Anambra River Basin.
He said more than 2,000 hectares of farmland had been rehabilitated, enabling farmers in Omor and surrounding communities to cultivate throughout the year.
“For years, farmers depended largely on rain-fed agriculture, limiting productivity and exposing them to climate-related challenges.
“With this irrigation infrastructure fully restored, farmers can now engage in multiple planting cycles annually and improve yields and income,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Romanus Egba, the Zonal Programme Coordinator of ATASP-1 Adani-Omor Zone, said the rehabilitation included the restoration of the pumping station and the lining of 40.1 kilometres of irrigation canals.
Egba said the project was funded by the African Development Bank in partnership with the Federal Government, with counterpart support from the Anambra government.
He commended the Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for supporting the project, particularly through the provision of a 5,000KVA power generator to ensure stable electricity supply to the facility.
He said the contributions of traditional rulers and key stakeholders, including the Chairman of AIRBDA, Sen. Emma Anosike, and Justice Paul Obidigwe, towards the successful completion of the project were immense.
Egba said the restored facility would improve dry-season farming, increase crop yields, generate employment and stimulate agribusiness activities across the area.
Egba said the restored facility would improve dry-season farming, increase crop yields, generate employment and stimulate agribusiness activities across the area.
“The pumping station is a critical component of the irrigation system serving the Ayamelum agricultural corridor. Its rehabilitation became necessary after years of deterioration that disrupted water supply and farming activities,” Egba said.
Receiving the facility on behalf of AIRBDA, Anosike commended ATASP-1 for revitalising the abandoned infrastructure and pledged proper maintenance and sustainability.
“We appreciate ATASP-1 for restoring this facility. AIRBDA will ensure efficient management and long-term sustainability of the infrastructure,” he said.
The event attracted no fewer than 200 farmers from across the local government area, alongside officials of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and representatives of Omor community.
