The Sukyi agricultural project in Sudan is on the brink of collapse due to a severe water shortage, with over 80% of the cultivated areas at risk of being destroyed. The project's head, Omar Hashim, warned of a looming catastrophe, citing the aging irrigation infrastructure and frequent power outages as major contributors to the crisis. The project's troubles are further exacerbated by a lack of maintenance budget and equipment to clean the canals.
Hashim revealed that despite receiving budgets for installing four emergency pumps on three occasions, none have been installed over the past seven years. This has resulted in the irrigation of areas outside the project's boundaries and outside the agricultural cycle, at the expense of official water allocations. The project's management has also been criticized for diverting resources, including the use of a dredger to dig a canal outside the agricultural cycle.
The ongoing troubles at Sukyi have significant implications for Sudan's food security and economy. The project is a vital source of livelihood for many Sudanese, and its collapse could deepen the country's economic woes. Hashim emphasized that Sukyi is not just an agricultural project, but a comprehensive economic and social system that supports the well-being of thousands of people.
The crisis at Sukyi has been attributed to a combination of factors, including poor management, inadequate infrastructure, and external interference. The project's general assembly, which is the highest decision-making body, has not convened for over 15 months due to external interventions. This has hindered the project's ability to make critical decisions and address the current crisis.
Hashim called for urgent intervention to address the crisis, including the installation of emergency pumps, rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure, and provision of necessary equipment and fuel. He also urged the government to allow the project's general assembly to convene and assume its regulatory and oversight role.
The situation at Sukyi requires immediate attention to prevent a complete collapse of the project. If left unchecked, the consequences could be severe, with potential impacts on food security, economic stability, and the livelihoods of thousands of people. The Sudanese government has been urged to take swift action to rescue the project and mitigate the damage.
The fate of Sukyi and its thousands of beneficiaries now rests in the hands of the Sudanese government. With the project's collapse a distinct possibility, stakeholders are anxiously waiting for a resolution to the crisis. The government's response will be crucial in determining the future of this vital agricultural project and its impact on Sudan's economy and food security.
Key points
- The Sukyi agricultural project's collapse could deepen Sudan's food security crisis and exacerbate economic woes.
- The project's troubles are attributed to poor management, inadequate infrastructure, and external interference.
- Urgent intervention is required to address the crisis and prevent a complete collapse of the project.
