The Government of Liberia has announced that it will reconstruct the Fandonga River Dam to support the irrigation system of over 250 acres of farmland to boast rice production and enhance food security in that part of Liberia, according to Punch FM Liberia. The project cost is put at US$650,000.
The Fangonda River Dam is located in Wanhassa District, formerly of Kolahun District, Lofa County. It is the home of Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, current Finance Minister of Liberia.
“Exciting news from Kolahun, Lofa County! Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah has announced a USD 650,000 project to reconstruct the Fagonda River Dam. This game-changing initiative will create an advanced irrigation system to support over 250 acres of farmland, boosting rice production and enhancing food security in Liberia, said Punch FM on its Facebook page.
The project is fully funded by the Liberian government and executed by the Liberia Qiang Shen Group. Construction is expected to begin December 2024 and will last for six months.
This dam will restore a historic rice production site, reviving Lofa County’s reputation as Liberia’s “food basket.” This project supports the Government of Liberia’s “Feed Yourselves Agenda,” which aims to reduce reliance on imported food.
Minister Nuetah exclaimed, “By this time next year, we expect a fully operational irrigation system supporting over 200 hectares of rice production. This project creates income opportunities for the local community while positioning Liberia for agricultural success.”
With ongoing international collaborations, private sector support, and a clear focus on self-sufficiency, this project is a significant step toward achieving the National Agriculture Development Plan’s goal of 50,000 hectares of rice under cultivation, said Punch FM.
