Minister assures MDs, EDs of River Basin of adequate support

The Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu has stated that the Ministry is determined to support the Managing Directors and Executive Directors of the twelve (12) River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) in achieving their set objectives, bearing in mind that the RBDAs represent the key implementing arm of the Ministry and serve as the mirror of its achievements.

The Minister made the statement today 4th February, 2021 in Abuja at the one – day interactive meeting of the Honourable Minister with the Managing Directors and Executive Directors of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs).

In his opening remarks, Engr. Adamu congratulated them on their well-deserved appointment or re-appointment as the case may be and reminded them that their appointment is a golden opportunity for them to contribute to the advancement of the reform agenda of the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, particularly in the areas of Integrated Water Resources and River Basin Management, food security and job creation as encapsulated in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan of the Government.

The Minister reminded the Managing Directors and Executive Directors that “ the River Basin Development Authorities Act 1986 as amended, vested the Authorities with the powers to undertake comprehensive development of both surface and underground water resources for multipurpose use with particular emphasis on the development of irrigation, water supply, flood and erosion control infrastructure through construction, operation and maintenance of Dams, Lakes, Polders, Wells, Irrigation and Drainage systems”.

The Minister noted that “the Ministry is fully aware of the challenges facing the operations of the RBDAs which include financial indebtedness, paucity of funds, inadequate personnel as well as lack of operational tools and equipment. Therefore, the need for prudent management of the available resources cannot be overemphasised ”.

Engr. Adamu therefore emphasized that “today’s meeting is to enable us deliberate and set the agenda for the top management of the 12 RBDAs given your fresh terms in Office as Managing Directors and Executive Directors”.

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