Finalization of Rehabilitation Activities for Dakawa Irrigation Scheme

Initial assessments conducted by CDM Smith, the USAID contractor, identified several challenges, including soil degradation, limited market access, and inadequate irrigation infrastructure. The existing Feasibility Study from 1996 was reviewed, and site assessments, asset data collection, topographical and engineering surveys, and preliminary design work were undertaken in 2011-2012. A participatory approach was used in meetings with the UWAWAKUDA cooperative and other stakeholders to discuss the works to be implemented. The meeting of 27 March 2012 with UWAWAKUDA was a first step in assessing the suggested project components and determining their estimated costs. These components included rehabilitation of on-farm and access roads, the drainage system, flood embankments, remodeling and lining of canals, land leveling, and replacement of the outfall drain. CDM Smith developed recommended technical improvements for the rehabilitation works, which were presented to UWAWAKUDA and other stakeholders during a meeting on 12 June 2012. The technical priorities included canal works, such as remodeling and lining of canals, drainage works, including boundary drain rehabilitation and construction of new outfall drains, and on-farm leveling and improvement of on-farm roads. UWAWAKUDA requested that canal lining be implemented in all canals, as a priority over all other work. The benefits of lining the canals were discussed, including prevention of farmer interventions, limitation of weed growth, reduction of water losses through seepage, and prevention of erosion and downstream siltation. MZITSU emphasized the importance of lining canals to increase conveyance efficiency, reduce irrigation time, and minimize water conflict amongst farmers. The final works package was finalized during a meeting on 02 October 2012, and included a combination of roads and hydraulic infrastructure works, including concrete lining of the main canal, cross-drainage structures, and measurement structures. The preliminary cost estimate for lining all canals, with appropriate check structures and measurement structures, is 17.6 million USD, which exceeds the previously agreed construction budget of 11.6 million USD. The rehabilitation activities will now be taken forward to design and construction, with a focus on improving the operation and water management of the Dakawa Irrigation Scheme.