By Austin Agada
The Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) has reiterated its commitment toward addressing the plights of communities affected by construction and operations of hydroelectric dams in Kebbi.
The Managing Director of HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, gave the assurance while leading a team of experts from the commission and Kebbi State Water Board on an inspection of the water works in Yauri Local Government Area on Monday.
The commission in collaboration with the state government on July 26, 2022, earmarked over N1.7 billion for the reconstruction of the 42-year-old Yauri Water works to ease difficulties faced by people in Yauri Emirate in the state.
Sadiq-Yelwa, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the ongoing work and attributed the success to the combined commitment of a team of engineers drafted from the commission and state water board to monitor execution.
“The project if completed will address the endemic shortage of potable water in the ancient town of Yauri which contributed immensely to the establishment of Kainji Dam.
“It will also tackle the challenge of water borne diseases occasioned by lack of good potable water in Yelwa town.
“Yauri and New Bussa are two major settlements completely relocated to give way for construction of the dam.
“The two settlements were promised electricity and potable water but, with the expansion in population, the existing facilities cannot serve the towns.
“This intervention as we said before, will put an end to decades of water problems we have been experiencing in Yauri town and nearby villages in the emirate,” he said.
According to him, the project is now at 50 to 60 per cent stage of completion and is expected to be delivered for inauguration in September this year.
Sadiq-Yelwa explained that the project would cover total rehabilitation of the intake point with state-of-the-art dry pumps and treatment plant.
“These are in addition to expansion of reticulation pipes, additional supply points and rehabilitation of staff quarters and office accommodation, amongst others,” the managing director said.
