By Juma Magino
BUSIA
Busia Local Government with support from the central government has launched the installation and construction of three micro-irrigation projects which will act as demonstration sites for farmers within the district.
The launch of the projects that are set to cost a total of shs.69.7 million shillings took place on Friday, 5/5/2023, at Busitema University, located in Busitema Sub County in Busia district.
During the launch, the University donated free land to the district to enable the installation of the project machines since it sits near a water source which will make it easier for water storage.
The site in Busitema will cost approximately 22.9 million and will be used by residents in Samia Bugwe-North constituency.
The other project according Mr. Moses Mangeni, the district communications officer, will be constructed at Budibya village, Lumino Sub County at a cost of 23 million shillings while another will be set at Masaba village, Masaba Sub County at a cost of 24 million to cater for farmers in the far Samia Bugwe-South constituency.
Mangeni, told our reporter that the projects, when fully complete, will aid in training farmers on proper ways of improving their crop production through modern irrigation schemes which will enable them to generate income.
He added that the government has hired a pre-qualified contractor identified as Science Corner Engineering Limited to work on the projects that are expected to be complete within two weeks.
He, however, stated that the government will be in position to fund interested farmer beneficiaries with 75% funds while the beneficiaries will contribute 35%.
This will assist farmers to learn how to store water from natural water bodies like rivers and swamps to irrigate crops in their gardens even in dry seasons instead of just depending on rain waters.
In a related story,
At least 18 residents in Busitema sub-county among those who were registered under their Parish Development SACCOs at Syanjonja parish are currently jubilating after receiving 1m shillings on their bank accounts, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 19 in the entire district.
Moses Mangeni, the district communication officer, disclosed this today Friday, at the district headquarters while giving an update on the PDM program in Busia District.
He attributed this achievement to the parish chiefs and sub county chief of Busitema for working tirelessly to ensure that data cleaning is being done so that people access the money and inject it in their registered enterprises.
Among the beneficiaries who have so far confirmed receiving money include; Betty Auma, Agnes Malinga, Jonathan Ogola, Lawrence Ekisa. Others are Eunice Nyakecho, Nyawere Florence, John Masaba, Grace Nabwire and others.
According to the District Communications Officer, they have all received shs.1 million each.
