Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu has put machinery in motion to revive the famous Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival through the deployment of professionals in water engineering to design a concept that would allow an uninterrupted flow of water to the tributary to “Matan Fada River”, venue of the fishing festival.
It could be recalled that an embankment constructed at Gurbin Manu at Garin Dabai in Augie Local Government Area had obstructed the normal water inflow into the river.
This led to the shrinking of the Matan Fada River and the waterways passing through communities in seven local government areas with a negative impact on agriculture, fishing, and domestic chores including human and animal consumption.
The effort was a sequel to a complaint tendered by the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera which prompted a swift action from the governor.
Idris despatched four Commissioners under the leadership of the Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Musa Muhammad Tungulawa in the company of the Magajin Garin Kabi, Engineer Aminu Musa who represented the Emir of Argungu to accompany water engineers to the spot of the embankment for inspection ⁿprelude to designing an appropriate concept for a permanent solution to the problem.
This is to restore the free flow of water to the tributary supplying Matan Fada River and Mala in Argungu which also extends to Dukku in the state capital Birnin Kebbi and Bunza, emptying in the River Niger.
Other Commissioners were; Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Shehu Mu’azu, Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Bello Abdullahi Kaoje as well as Commissioner for Home Affairs and Security, Alhaji Sama’ila Yakubu Augie.
In a chat with Newsmen at the site, the Magajin Gari said the problem was beyond the capacity of the Emirate Council and appealed for immediate intervention from the Kebbi State Government.
He made it clear that the source of water emanated from the Goronyo River in Sokoto State flowing to the tributary serving Argungu and several other towns and villages, but the diversion of water has affected the livelihood of hundreds of farmers, fishermen, and households.
Speaking separately, the Commissioners on the entourage affirmed the commitment of Governor Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, to provide a long-term remedy to mitigate the diversion of the river by restoring the uninterrupted flow of water to the tributary serving all communities.
They made it clear that Comrade, Dr. Nasir Idris was deeply concerned about their plight which he had vowed to redress.
According to them, that is the reason why the government engaged water engineering experts to proffer immediate solutions to the matter.
The Director of Planning, Ministry for Water Resources, Engineer Atiku Umar also briefed journalists on the technical aspect of work to be done to return to normality.
Afterward, the delegation stopped over at the Palace of the Emir of Argungu to relay to him the message of Gov. Nasir Idris about his resolve to restore water flow to the Matan Fada tributary permanently.
In response, the monarch sincerely thanked Comrade, Dr. Kauran Gwandu for his intervention in solving the problem of water diversion going to the Matan Fada River, bringing succour to farming and fishing communities along the tributary.
