Residents of Jama’are Local Government Area in Bauchi State have called on the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA) to upgrade the town’s water and irrigation infrastructure to enhance agricultural productivity and improve access to clean water.
A delegation representing the community met with HJRBDA officials in Kano to present their demands, which include rehabilitating irrigation canals, expanding access to potable water, and implementing better flood control measures.
Bello Usman Khalipha, who led the delegation, stressed the community’s dependence on water for both daily life and farming. “Water is essential,” he said. “Our people need reliable access to clean water for drinking, farming, and economic stability. We also need good and accessible road networks linking to our farmlands.”
He lamented the poor state of the current irrigation system, noting that many farmers struggle due to inadequate and poorly maintained water canals. “Our livelihoods depend on farming,” Khalipha added, “but without a functional irrigation system, we are vulnerable to unpredictable rainfall.”
CITAD Radio reports that the delegation also raised concerns over the recurring flooding in Jama’are, which not only destroys homes and farmlands but sometimes leads to loss of life.
“Every rainy season brings fear,” Khalipha explained, “as residents worry about floods destroying their homes and farms.” Youth representative Aminu Wali emphasized the need for additional dams to control flooding and store water for the dry season, citing similar projects benefiting other communities.
In response, Engr. Bello Sani Gwarzo, Acting Managing Director of HJRBDA, reassured the delegation of the authority’s commitment to addressing their concerns. He requested that the community submit a formal document outlining their needs to aid in developing actionable solutions.
“We understand the difficulties faced by Jama’are residents,” Engr. Gwarzo stated. “Water resource management is a priority for us, and we are working on strategies to enhance irrigation, improve access to clean water, and mitigate flooding risks.”
He also encouraged residents to collaborate with their elected officials, stressing that development efforts require collective action. “We urge you to engage with your local and state representatives because their involvement is crucial to fast-tracking project approvals and ensuring sustainable solutions,” he added.
Khalipha reaffirmed the community’s commitment to continued advocacy. “While promises are welcome,” he said, “we will keep pushing for real action from HJRBDA and our elected officials until we see tangible improvements in Jama’are.”