The Export Trade, Agricultural and Industrial Development Fund, now Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank), has approved the construction of two dams for the Mandari and Kiape communities in the Bole District.
The projects are estimated at GH₵ 8.00 million for dry season farming.
Both communities have the potential for vegetable production as well as rice, which could be produced during the dry season to improve the living standards of the people.
Officials from the EXIM Bank and the Irrigation Development Authority at weekend went to the two communities and introduced the contractor to the chiefs and people.
Speaking at the durbar of the chiefs and people of Kiape and Mandari, Alhaji Yussif Sulemana, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for Bole-Bamboi, said government recognises the importance of dry season farming to the economic improvement of the two communities hence the need to provide the dams.
He said the NDC is committed to work for the people by ensuring that their desired needs are addressed.
“It is when you create the survival opportunities for those in need that you will receive God’s blessing,” and that the government would not relent its efforts of working to address poverty, he said.
He appealed to the chiefs and people of the areas to support the contractor to execute the work well.
Mr Wilson Darkwa, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Irrigation Development Authority said the two communities have the potential of producing vegetables enough for local consumption and export.
He said the construction and upgrading of the Tamale Airport into an international Airport would give farmers ready market for their vegetable production.
He said plans are in place to construct canals at the two dams to increase production.
Dr Barfour Osei, CEO of EXIM Bank in a speech read on his behalf assured the bank’s readiness to support communities with the potential of becoming business hub to grow.
He said the bank would consider all proposals by the Irrigation Development Authority and would not hesitate to approve those that have the potential of creating and growing businesses.
