Vision of the Irrigation Authority
To see that all irrigable lands belonging to planters over the island are put under irrigation with the most efficient methods of irrigation and irrigation projects are run by the planters themselves through a Water User’s Cooperative Society.
Mission of the Irrigation Authority
To provide to planters an efficient and timely service on the procurement of irrigation failures to their fields and proper training to enable them to be self dependent and sustainable.
Objectives of the Authority
· The Irrigation Authority is a parastatal body created under the aegis of the Ministry of Agriculture & Natural Resources as per the Irrigation Authority act No. 38 of 1978.
· The overall objectives of the Authority as defined by the Irrigation Authority Act No. 39 of 1978 are:-
(a) to study the development of irrigation;
(b) to implement and manage irrigation projects in every irrigation area and to do all other acts incidental thereto; and
(c) to undertake research into the optimum use of water.
Activities of the Authority
· The main activities of the Irrigation Authority include:
(a) to identify irrigable lands, determine potential sources of water and carry out feasibility studies for new irrigation projects;
(b) to investigate plan, design, construct and supervise implementation of irrigation projects;
(c) to operate and maintain irrigation projects and to do all acts incidental thereto;
(d) to conduct and co-ordinate research and investigation on the optimum use of water for irrigation;
(e) to formulate policies relating to irrigated agriculture;
(f) to evaluate ongoing irrigation projects;
(g) to modernize and upgrade old schemes so as to improve service to the planters;
(h) to train farmers on different methods of irrigation and use of irrigation equipment;
(i) to provide support to Water Users’ Associations and Cooperative Societies for the proper running of irrigation.