***demands compensation from Water Management Authority
By Ahmed Rufa’i Dutse
Farmers in Jigawa state have accused the Hadejia Jamare River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA) of causing the flood disaster which led to the death of hundreds and huge lost of farm products in the state.
The farmers made the allegations through their representative under the JIgawa flood victims farmers group, Malam Habibu Muhammad Ringim who further accussed the authority of poor water management and unprofessionalism
The farmers group called on President Muhammadu Buhari to reconstitute the management of HJRBDA by bringing competent hands who can manage it effectively.
Malam Muhammad who is also Special Adviser to governor Badaru on Media content alleged that excess water released by the HJRBDA has contributed in worsening the flood situation around Hadejia river which led to unprecedented lost of farm lands and houses in 11 local government areas of Jigawa state.
The farmers demanded for the immediate assessment of the damages caused by the flood and proper compensation to be paid to them by HJRBDA for truncating their production.
According to the farmers “in a letter signed by Managing Directo Hadejia Jamare, Mr Mamun Da”u Aliyu which was addressed to the Secretary to Jigawa State Government on 9th August 2022 alerting the state government and the general public on their plan to release water from Tiga Dam”.
Ringim maintained that flooding occurred between August and September which he said may not be unconnected with the release of the excess water by the Authority , “The damage caused by the flooding was so huge and farmers cannot bear the lost alone, therefore there is need for HJRBDA to pay compensation to the victims” he declared
He called on all good people of Jigawa state including civil societies to join hand in demanding for the HDJRBDA to look at the predicament of the farmers and pay them compensation for their lost.
The Special Assistant however expressed dismay at the nonchalant attitude exhibited by the management of HJRBDA in managing the river, Dams and other irrigation facilities under them.
He said , the management for reasons best known to them, deny the farmers adequate water supply during the dry season farming which is sabotaging federal government food policy yet they discharge the excess water during raining season.