Disputes hinder implementation of irrigation canals [Archives:2005/885/Front Page]
Hassan Al-Zaidi
MARIB- Oct. 11- The local authority in the eastern province of Marib has asked the cabinet to oblige the international construction firm, Hawk, to finish works in the irrigation canals in Marib Dam. The company pulled out its equipment to the governate of Shabwa.
The local authority stressed the necessity of completing the work in the irrigation facilities and confirmed that what is claimed by the company are merely alleged problems to evade work.
The authority stated that the company did not start working on the primary and secondary irrigation canals.
Hawk sent reports to the ministries of local administration and agriculture, stating there are a number of barriers and obstacles that hinder work, such as a dispute between the project administration and the executive authority in the governate.
A number of farmers in the governate of Marib requested the President of the Republic and Sheikh Khalifa Bin Sultan Al-Hayan to prevent playing on money granted by the UAE to the project.
Marib locals ascertained that disputes between contractors and officials are the primary reasons behind halting implementation of the project and that millions of riyals were embezzled by the Eastern Areas Development Authority in the guise of supporting agriculture and farmers.
According to locals, the President of the Republic and the UAE Government should inquire about the money that were allotted for developing agriculture in Marib. These amounts have apparently been spent on the purchase of cars and the building of luxurious houses in Sana'a for officials in the authority.
The locals stressed that flagrant corruption and embezzlement of public money are found in the agricultural institutions in Marib with no reaction shown by the responsible sides to such violations. They requested Sheikh Khalifa Bin Sultan Al-Hayan to send a representative to follow up and monitor the way in which the funding allocated for the project is spent.
An agreement was reached in November 2002 between the contracting companies and the Yemeni Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. These companies won the bid for implementing the project at a total cost of 23.9 million dollars, which are funded by the UAE's government.
The project covers implementation of irrigation canals for an agricultural area of 7400 hectares and the rehabilitation of the system of canals including the Northern Canal (BN), which was damaged by torrents in 1996 and the Southern Canal (BS). In addition, there is the installation of 69 km of secondary canals in the north and south parts of the governate.
The project also includes covering a 35 km long road with tarmac and constructing a protective fence for roads and irrigation canals from torrents.
Local authority officials stated that up until July 30, 45 percent of the project has been implemented while observers mentioned that there is no guarantee of implementation of the project, adding that there is a practice of corruption and embezzlement of money allotted for the project.
Locals in the governate claimed that corrupt officials responsible for construction of the project should be held accountable and that the companies should finish the work and care for the interest of farmers. The locals demand close monitoring to improve the quality of agriculture and support of the farmers who stopped pursuing agriculture due to water shortage and skyrocketing prices of fuel.
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