Hydroelectric: Commission expands operations to Kaduna, Gombe, Taraba States

The Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission HYPPADEC has planned to expand its operational areas to Kaduna, Gombe and Taraba States in Nigeria

According to the Managing Director of the Commission Abubakar Yelwa, the 3 states are in addition to Niger, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Benue States and Kebbi States.

Yelwa disclosed this during the commissioning of the HYPADEC headquarters and distribution of 12 operational vehicles by the Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Bello, on Wednesday in Minna the state capital.

The Managing Director further said that the commission is already planning for various intervention programmes in flood-prone communities of the operational areas of the commission.

“We’ve concluded arrangements of supporting those that lost their houses to floods in the riverine areas.“

Yelwa also said that the commission has arranged for the provision of more than 2000 boreholes for environmental and health benefit in some selected riverine areas.

“60 solar boreholes have been provided already in some communities, and 500 hand pumps projects ongoing, as well as the repairs of over 350 hand pumps across some of the communities.“

On Youth empowerment, he revealed that over 500 youths are to benefit from the skill acquisition programs of the commission.

Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, who commended the 6 Beneficiary states under the commission for the monthly 50% ecological funds, equally said the commission is expected to be receiving 10% from the generating company’s Internal Generated Revenue.

The Chairman of the Commission Governing Council, Joseph Terfa Ityav commended President Muhammad Buhari for ensuring that the Commission was not only established on paper but becomes operational within its mandate.

The Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello, who commended HYPADEC activities across the riverine areas of the state, said the commission had brought succour to communities suffering from the perennial ecological impact of flooding in the State.

While urging the commission on the need to ensure that those affected benefit from the scheme, so as to alleviate their suffering and stimulate economic growth, Gov Sani Bello further acknowledged the efforts of the commission’s management team for making the desired impact in the states ravaged by the activities of the hydropower electricity generation dams.

The Governor, however, said Niger State, one of the 6 benefiting States, would continue to support all Nigerian government establishments in the state to effectively discharge their primary responsibilities to the people.

PIAK