By Mary Bassey, House of Assembly Correspondent
The Cross River State Irrigation and Dams Authority Bill 2025 has been read the second time on the floor of the State House of Assembly.
The bill has been subsequently referred to the joint Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources for further legislative procedures.
The Lead Sponsor and Member representing Yala 2 State constituency, Hon. Odey Brian Wonah, disclosed that the proposed legislation is to establish the Irrigation and Dams Authority which will conceptualize, design, procure, manage and regulate irrigation, dams and reservoirs in the State.
Hon. Odey, who is the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of the House, stressed that the proposed Irrigation and Dams Authority will have it’s headquarters in Calabar with Zonal Offices in the three Senatorial Districts of the State.
He highlighted the functions of the Irrigation and Dams Authority to include, amongst others the regulation and supervision of the operations and maintenance of irrigation and Dams infrastructure to ensure optimal performance and efficient use of water resources.
The Lawmaker reiterated that the State will greatly benefit from the bill, when passed into Law in several ways including greater food production through mechanized farming, food security as well as creation of job opportunities to discourage rural urban migration.
Deputy Leader and Member representing Abi State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Davies Etta who is a co-sponsors of the bill, said that it will add value to farmers and enhance food production.
In reaction, other members of the House supported the bill maintaining that it will lead to food security as crops will be grown all year round, as crops like rice and maize can be grown twice a year with proper irrigation system.
In remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem stressed the significance of the proposed legislation before directing the Clerk, Barr. Catherine Ubi to read it a second time.
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