The lawmaker representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, is currently leading the efforts for the establishment of federal government integrated farms in Olor and Olodo communities in Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state as well as the supply of pipe-borne water to over 50 communities in Delta North, leveraging the Ogwashi-Uku dam.
Nwoko according to a report is in collaboration with the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Agriculture, NDDC, and the Delta State government to facilitate the distribution of water from the dam to more than 50 communities, catering to both household needs and irrigation purposes.
He emphasised that communities within Aniocha South should not experience water scarcity, be it for domestic or industrial use, given the presence of the Ogwashi-Uku dam. The senator highlighted the thriving agricultural economy in the local government, leveraging the potential of the dam.
He has held meetings with leaders of Olor and Olodo communities and the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, an agency of the Federal Government, to initiate the process of establishing integrated federal government farms in these communities. Preliminary land inspections have been conducted, with the senator physically present during the process.
During the meetings, primarily comprising village chiefs and youth representatives, Nwoko emphasised the need to utilise the dam to establish an additional source of livelihood in the area. He stressed that the establishment of integrated federal government farms will not only create numerous employment opportunities but also attract other developments from the federal government, such as roads and stable electricity.
In discussions with Isaac Wilkie, the Delta State commissioner for Water Resources, the senator disclosed that the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority has completed its start-up obligations and is now awaiting for the state government’s contribution to initiate the projects effectively.
Nwoko further emphasised the importance of tapping into the developmental prospects offered by the dam, highlighting that, in the nearest future, the dam will provide electricity to Ogwashi-Uku and its surrounding areas.
