NIA appeals for understanding on Aklan irrigation canals closure

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has asked for understanding ahead of the impending closure of irrigation canals in Aklan.

PHOTO AKLAN FORUM JOURNAL

Engr. Lorena Sioco, Acting Division Manager A, Aklan-Capiz IMO, said the total closure this October will affect the delivery of irrigation water from Aklan River to drainage canals in both East and West sides of the province. 

With the ongoing construction of P370-million diversion dams of Aklan River Irrigation System in Sigcay, Banga and Kinalangay Malinao, it will also benefit farmers in seven municipalities of Kalibo, Numancia, Lezo, New Washington, Banga, Malinao and Makato.

The irrigation project includes the supply, delivery, installation and commissioning of steel gates by Silver Dragon Construction Lumber and Supply and BSP & Company, Inc. The infrastructure started the construction on January 22, 2018 with completion date on January 12, 2020.

It also targets to irrigate 4,271 hectares of agricultural lands in the East and West Sides of the Aklan RIS and to increase the rice production of farmers from 78 cavans per hectare to 90 cavans for  dry season.

“May mitigating measures din para sa mga farmers dahil sa pagsara ng irrigation canals,” Sioco stressed.  

NIA will provide water pumps for various irrigators association in hardest hit towns in Aklan. The Department of Agriculture (DA) will also give drought-resistant seeds to farmers that suffered the most due to total closure of irrigation canals next month until March next year. 

SCP Construction is also working on the Floodplain protection dike in Sigcay, Banga ad Kinalangay Nuevo, Malinao from July 30, 2018 to March 20, 2019.

Since July this year, foot bridge and link canal in West Side and main canal at East Side are also being constructed by Silver Dragon Construction Lumber and Supply until March 2019.