The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission N-YPPADEC has pledged to end the perennial water scarcity militating against the smooth operation of people in Bida Local Government Area of Niger state and its environs for the past fifteen years.
This is owing to the fact that water according to the commission is life.
Managing Director of National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa made the pledge when he visited the Mana water works in Lavun Local Government Area, following his reappointment for another four year term by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week.
Abubakar adiq Yelwa, however confirmed that significant efforts has been made as seventy percent completion level has been reached and that they will continue to do more.
The Managing Director also emphasized that during his second term he will think out of box for getting resources to finance some of the interventions to impact positively on the lives of people in the affected communities, through partnership with state governments, National Assembly, traditional leaders and private sector among others rather than relying solely on the Federal Government.
He noted that the commission has installed 5MB transformer and connected to 33KVA from the abandoned two smaller transformers from 11KVA power line, hence advised technically that the 2 other smaller transformers to be worked on, the in-take, treatment plant to energized and power for reticulation to enhance effective and efficient service delivery.
Yelwa assured that N-HYPPADEC ill ensure access to clean and safe portable water remains a priority for the Commission in its commitment to improving the lives of people in host communities, noted that the Muregi and Ketso resettlements centres have been completed for relocation while allocation to beneficiaries has commenced.
Also. Speaking the Director General of Niger State Sewage and Water Corporation, Engineer Gimba Yisa applauded the intervention of the N-HYPPADEC in ensuring the revival of Bida Mana water works that has been out of operations for almost fifteen years targeted at over 600,000 population of Bida and it’s environs and promised to report back to the state government on other challenges like water treatment plant, reticulation as well as 20 pumping machines required
Similarly, the Head of Electrical Division of the commission, Engr. Ibrahim Adamu Haruna revealed that the commission has expended N308 million on the project, noted that the twenty nine items listed for supply and installation have been completed.
The Managing Director, Sadik Yelwa also paid homage to the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of Niger state Council O Traditional rulers Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar at the Wadata palace to brief him on the inspection visit and challenges that is halting the completion of the project.
Responding, the Etsu Nupe Alh Yahaya Abubakar lamented over years of lack of portable pipe borne water supply to Bida town, and commended the efforts of N-HYPPADEC for the Intervention project and assured of support and assist not only for the completion of the ongoing work but the commission’s activity and ensuring the benefitting communities take ownership of the project.
COV ALIYU LAWAL.
