Saudi Star rice Development Company builds irrigation infrastructure

Gambella, April 28 (WIC) - The Gambella Saudi Star rice development company has launched construction of irrigation infrastructure that would develop 10,000 hectares of land in Gambella State.

Project Head Representative with the Company Deribew Shanko told ENA on Friday that a 30-km canal connecting the Alero Dam with the farm is being constructed.

ENA quoted Deribew as saying that the construction of the irrigation infrastructure is estimated to cost of 89 million US dollars.

Deribew said the company has taken various activities so far including the construction of a 21-km tunnel. The farm is expected to create job opportunity to over 5,000 people.

The farm has already created 800 new jobs to the local community, he indicated.

Project beneficiaries Ariyat Ujulu and Ariyat Ubong on their part said they have managed to improve their livelihood from the money they get from the rice development.

The company is developing 350 hectares of land by harnessing water from Alero River.