Atiak residents finally accept Shs 70bln irrigation project

AMURU– Local farmers in Abongo Rwot A, Pawel Kal, and Oloyo-Mung villages in Atiak Sub-county in Amuru district have finally accepted to offer their land for the establishment of  Shs 70 billion irrigation project.

The irrigation project, which is to be undertaken by the Ministry of Water and Environment, is to sit on a seven square kilometre chunk of land along River Unyama between Pawel Kal, Palukere, and Pupwonya parishes in Atiak Sub-county.

Ministry of Water officials and a team from Amuru district were in 2019 faced resistance from the residents when they went to inform them about where the irrigation project would be established. The locals perceived the project as a ploy to grab their land, arguing that similar projects like the Agoro Irrigation Scheme in Lamwo district have not had any impact on agricultural productivity.

Speaking to this reporter, Michael Lakony, the Amuru district LCV Chairperson said following a series of sensitisation meetings with the landlords whose land will host the irrigation scheme, they have finally accepted the project.

Lakony said that currently, a team of surveyors from the Water Ministry are already in Atiak Sub-county studying and developing infrastructural systems.

“Many of our community members initially thought the government wanted to take their land, but after a series of engagements and taking a few of them [residents] to Doha for study tours, they have now accepted the project, having considered the benefits to come from it,” Lakony said.

Lakony blamed politicians for misinforming members of the community who he claims accused some of the district leaders of land grabbing.

Stephen Ocen, a resident of Pawel Kal, whose land is inside the identified area, said that there has been a general information gap, noting that the project was introduced as the period for politics and as such, some politicians took advantage of the project for their own selfish interests.

“Having gotten the right information and sharing experiences within the country and outside the country, we now understand how we will benefit from this irrigation project,” Ocen said.

https://thecooperator.news/amuru-farmers-get-irrigation-equipment/

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