The Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project Water Users Association (WUA) Focal Officer, Engr. Ibe Uzoechi, recently visited the Bansara Irrigation Scheme in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State, where he engaged members of the Bansara Water Users Association as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen stakeholder participation and advance project implementation activities.
The visit, facilitated by the State Project Coordinator, Engr. Justina Ulafor, provided an opportunity for direct interaction with beneficiaries, collection of first-hand information, validation of field realities, and administration of questionnaires aimed at capturing community perspectives and priorities.
The exercise underscores the project's commitment to inclusiveness and participatory planning, ensuring that beneficiaries play an active role in shaping project interventions and outcomes.
During the engagement, discussions focused on the importance of the Water Users Association and its critical role in the management, operation, and sustainability of irrigation infrastructure.
Speaking during the meeting, Engr. Uzoechi emphasized that strong and functional Water Users Associations are essential to the long-term success of irrigation projects. He commended the Executive Committee and members of the Bansara Water Users Association for their commitment and active participation in the project process.
He further informed members that the SPIN Project would provide technical support through the engagement of a consultant to strengthen the association's institutional framework. According to him, the consultant will facilitate capacity-building programmes, organizational development initiatives, and the registration process of the association, thereby positioning it for effective participation in project implementation and the long-term management of irrigation facilities.
Also speaking, the State Project Coordinator, Engr. Justina Ulafor, applauded members of the association for their enthusiasm, cooperation, and readiness to contribute to the success of the project. She reiterated the SPIN Project's community-driven approach, noting that information gathered through the questionnaires would help ensure that project interventions reflect the realities, priorities, and unique needs of the beneficiary communities.
Engr. Ulafor expressed appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu for creating an enabling environment for development programmes and for his commitment to agricultural transformation in the state. She also acknowledged the support of the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon.Johnson A. Ebokpo in facilitating Cross River State's participation in the World Bank-assisted SPIN Project.
She further noted that the passage of the Water Users Association Bill by the Cross River State House of Assembly has provided the legal framework for the establishment and operation of Water Users Associations in the state, fulfilling one of the key requirements for project implementation.
On their part, the Chairman Erim James and some members of the Bansara Water Users Association reaffirmed their support for the SPIN Project and expressed readiness for the commencement of major field activities. They noted that the intervention is highly anticipated, given its expected impact on agricultural production and livelihoods within the community.
The members also highlighted the recurring challenge of flooding, which continues to affect rice production and reduce farm yields. They expressed optimism that the irrigation infrastructure to be developed under the SPIN Project would provide a lasting solution to these challenges by supporting effective water management and year-round farming activities.
Cross River State is one of the participating states in the World Bank-assisted Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project, which aims to improve irrigation service delivery, strengthen water resources management, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable livelihoods among farming communities.
In Cross River State, Bansara, a predominantly rice-producing community in Ogoja Local Government Area, has been identified for intervention through the development of modern irrigation infrastructure designed to support all-season agricultural production, mitigate flooding, improve food security, and create greater economic opportunities for farmers.
The engagement reaffirms the SPIN Project's commitment to inclusive stakeholder participation, sustainable irrigation development, and agricultural transformation in Cross River State.
By Blessing Enagu
