The province has responded to a SARM request for more progress on the Lake Diefenbaker irrigation project to provide much-needed drought relief.

President Ray Orb says 45 million dollars was allocated for preliminary engineering and there was discussion phase one work could start this year.

Orb says the four billion dollar mega-project was announced in 2020.

The province has replied, The Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Project is currently in the early planning phase, with focus on phase 1 which is the Westside Rehabilitation and Expansion Project.

A statement from executive council says like many other large-scale projects, this is a highly complex multi-generational undertaking which takes time to plan, develop and construct.

Additional geotechnical and hydrogeological engineering work and investigation needs to be done, along with further engagement with stakeholders.
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