The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, through the ROOTS Project, has signed contracts worth US$13.93 million to expand irrigation infrastructure and increase rice production in the Upper River Region.

The major intervention will see about 685 hectares of rice fields developed and rehabilitated across six communities, Kossemar, Sotuma, Changally, Basse, Koina and Keneba.

The 12-month project is expected to give farmers improved access to reliable irrigation and water management, opening up opportunities for double cropping while helping boost production and improve livelihoods.

The contracts were awarded to Heilongjiang Yiha Highway Engineering Co. Ltd for works covering Kossemar and Sotuma, as well as Changally and Basse. Xinjiang Changlong Construction Co. Ltd will undertake the works in Koina and Keneba.

Speaking at the contract-signing ceremony, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, Ambassador Alhagie Nyangado, said improving irrigation remains important to addressing some of the challenges facing farmers.

He said the government is committed to providing farmers with the infrastructure required to increase agricultural production.

“We signed this contract with you because we want the best for the Gambian people, especially our farmers,” Ambassador Nyangado told the contractors.

He urged the companies to ensure quality work and complete the project within the agreed 12-month timeframe.

ROOTS Project Director Famara Trawally also called on the contractors to remain committed to delivering the project on time, stressing that the intervention is ultimately intended to benefit Gambian farmers.

He said the project “is for the Gambian people, particularly farmers,” and must deliver the benefits for which it was designed.

The works will include land preparation, earthworks, access improvements, construction of pumping facilities, installation of pumps and pipework, irrigation and drainage systems, testing and commissioning, operator training and eventual handover.

The contractors assured the officials of their commitment to completing the works within the 12-month period.

The intervention is expected to help farmers make greater use of available land and water resources while supporting the national drive to increase rice production and strengthen food security.

By Adama Makasuba