VCDP urges farmers to maintain projects executed in Niger .
By Priscilla Ben.
The Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) in Niger State has charged members of committees set up to maintain projects executed by the agency to take ownership and expand their life span.
Engr. Frank Inja, VCDP National Irrigation Engineer, Abuja stated this during Constitution and Training to Strengthening Operation and Maintenance for Processing centres, boreholes, roads in the eight local governments held in Kuta Shiroro council.
He highlighted the importance of maintaining the projects by farmers in the state to ensure sustainability after VCDP’s involvement.
The VCDP national Irrigation engineer also cautioned the committees against allowing non-professionals to effect repairs, which could further damage the facilities.
Kolo Joy Teni Niger state VCDP
Assistant Agricultural Processing and Quality Enhancement Officer, explained that the committees are responsible for carrying out regular maintenance to extend the lifespan of facilities such as boreholes, roads, processing centers, bridges, and culverts, while emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance in ensuring safety, functionality, and preventing damage.
The committees include those for maintaining processing centres, boreholes, roads, culverts, drainages and other infrastructure in eight participating local government areas which include Wushishi, Kontagora, Katcha, Bida, Edati, Mokwa, Borgu and Shiroro.
The State Programme Coordinator, Hajiya Hadizat Isah esrlier stated that the training was necessary to ensure that the projects executed for the farmers are maintained and not destroyed.
She emphasized the importance of the committees taking ownership of the projects and ensuring their longevity.
The Director of Agriculture of Shiroro Local Government reassured of the council’s commitment to ensuring that the projects initiated are maintained for the benefit of residents while commending VCDP for including Shiroro in its programme.
Some of the various committees members in an interview assured the agency of their commitment to taking ownership and maintaining the facilities provided to ensure longevity.
They noted that with proper training and support, they are prepared to ensure the longevity and sustainability of the initiatives.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the facilities provided by VCDP, stating that they have seen significant improvement in their businesses and livelihood while pledging to ensure the longevity of the facilities through regular maintenance.
According to Biliha Dangana and Hauwa Bala, ” We will to take ownership of the facilities provided for us by VCDP and ensure they are properly maintained. This is because, providing us with such facilities have really assisted in making our businesses easy and economically bettered our lives”
