Zauro polder project

The Zauro polder project is an irrigation scheme that has long been planned for the Rima River floodplain in Kebbi State, Nigeria.

The project would include construction of a reservoir and canals used to irrigate and drain polders, areas of farmland protected from flooding by dikes.

The risk of damage from flooding would be mitigated by the Goronyo Dam upstream in Sokoto State, which would also provide water in the dry season.

[4] In October 2006, the Federal and Kebbi state governments signed a memorandum of understanding for execution of the project, at an estimated cost of N15 billion.

[5] In May 2008 President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua ordered work to start immediately on the first phase of the project, which was now estimated to cost over N18.5 billion.

The causes include lack of site leveling to allow outflow of surface water, poor maintenance of drains and canals and over-irrigation by farmers.

[9] An audit of Federal Government accounts for the year 2007 showed that a 2002 contract worth almost N84 million with 25% advance payment had been awarded for rehabilitation of the dikes and drainage.