The project has so far gulped over NGN100 billion.
Speaking on the viability of the project, which current phase of work is expected to deliver 30 MW of electricity to Kaduna state and irrigate 8,000 hectares of farm land, Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources Dr Sayyadi Ruma said, studies have shown that, the down steam Gurara phase two has the possibility of over 430 megawatts of electricity to be generated in two years.
Ruma added that, so far, Federal government investment on Gurara is over N100 billion and it has potential for over 30 MW.
The irrigational component of Gurara dam is nearing completion, with already prepared 2,000 hectares of land available, with the potential for 8,000 hectares.
Ruma further continued that, the President Umaru Yar’adua administration is facing the challenges of securing funding for the project, aside the inherited crisis of disjointed plan and frame work that has created a very huge liability on the account of the funds that is available.
The low cash projection of government has made it difficult to sufficiently fund projects for people to see the dividends on time Ruma lamented.
Ruma assured that inspite of cash crunch, the Gurara project, that has so far successfully completed the water transfer to the FCT component is top on the priority of government, as a result of which, government is weighing other financing options so as to ensure that the project is completed in 2009.
We are thinking of other options of financing Gurara and taking advantage of its agricultural potentials and statutory funding from the budget Ruma said.
