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Amuru, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Atiak sugar factory in Amuru district has unveiled plans to construct an irrigation scheme and water dams along River Unyama in a move aimed to mitigate flooding in Elegu township.
Mahmood Abdi, the Director of Agriculture and Plantation, Atiak sugar factory which sits along River Unyama says that they intend to construct irrigation schemes and water dams along the river. He says this will help mitigate flooding in Elegu township and the factory as well as to secure water for the factory’s sugarcane plantation through out all seasons.
Without disclosing when the works will commence, Mahmood disclosed to Uganda Radio Network (URN) that plans for the works have already been finalized.
He explained that just like Elegu township which suffers flooding whenever River Unyama bursts its banks, Atiak sugar factory also suffers flooding whenever the river bursts its banks. This he says has on many occasions cost them financially and halts work in the factory.
Atiak sugar factory which is an affiliate of Horyal Investments Holding Limited is situated in Gem-Pacilo village in Atiak sub county. It was established in 2016 and covers 27,000 acres of land along the banks of River Unyama which is a major tributary for the Blue Nile.
River Unyama has over the years been the major attribute to flooding in Elegu township and the surrounding areas once it bursts its banks.
This has not only caused damages to properties but also led to the loss of at least eight lives since last year.
Michael Lakony, the Amuru district chairperson welcomed the initiative saying that the district is incapacitated to create water diversions along the river to avert the flooding.
Early this year, Amuru district unveiled plans for the construction of irrigation schemes and water dams along the River Unyama banks in order to avert flooding. However, the project has failed to kick-off due to financial constraints.
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