KAGERA, May 23 -- CONSTRUCTION of irrigation schemes in the Ngono River Basin, a crucial agricultural area in the Kagera Region, is set to begin this financial year after completion of detailed studies and ongoing procurement processes for contractors.

Deputy Minister for Agriculture, David Silinde, confirmed this in Parliament yesterday, stating that the Ministry of Agriculture, through the National Irrigation Commission, has finalised the feasibility study and detailed design for the project.

The procurement process to secure construction contractors for the schemes is now underway, he said.

Silinde said the Ngono River Basin is one of 22 strategic basins identified for extensive irrigation farming development. This particular basin ...