In response to WikkiTimes’ story on Niger State residents who have been displaced by infrastructure work on Zungeru Dam, Hydroelectric Power Producing Area Development Commission (HYPPADEC) says it will compensate them soon.
WikkiTimes had reported how the residents who were once landlords were displaced and taking refuge in an informal Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp.
READ: Niger Communities Left to Suffer After Losing Homes, Farmlands to Zungeru Dam Construction
“The Commission is aware of the plight of the displaced people in Shiroro Local Government Area and is assiduously working towards a resettlement plan among other projects that have been previously carried out,” HYPPADEC emailed WikkiTimes.
“However, this project is a huge one and will require time for strategizing and putting resources together as it includes every other community in the Six (6) States under the purview of the Commission which had been displaced by the activities of the dam,” it added.
READ: Kidnapped Niger Septuagenarian Regains Freedom 2 Months After Abduction
HYPPADEC claimed that preparations have reached an advanced stage for the resettlement of some communities in Niger, Kebbi and Kogi States. It is going to be in phases due to huge capital requirements for such turnkey projects, it noted.
The commission stated that the commission is committed to bringing succour to all benefiting communities. Prior to this, WikkiTimes had contacted HYPPADEC but there was no response. However, its response came two weeks after our report.
THE REPORT
In 2013, HYPPADEC commenced the Zungeru Hydro Electric Power Project — an infrastructure that later displaced scores of residents who were living on the shore of Zungeru Dam. However, the project is scheduled for inauguration next year, but its host communities are being left to suffer in informal displaced person camps. Many of the residents displaced from these communities are taking refuge in Gijiwa/ Kato ward of Shiroro local government.
In 2013, former President Goodluck Jonathan kickstarted the N162.9 billion Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project in Niger State. The hydro dam project, when constructed, will generate 700 megawatts of electricity for the country, according to TheNigerian News.
They include: Gurmana Gari, Gwaja, Jabiki Kasa, Maganda, Jabiki Sama, Siyiko, Wusisi, Unguwan Fulani Kami, Romance, Unato, Paleli, Alfani, Aporlogado, Jataye, Kwangu, Kako, Mashigin, Gurmana, Akika, Fulani Shakadna.
Others are Gogwaita, Guto, (Gurmana), Kutawi, Karibo,Kokki, Kuyami, Shakadina, Sarkin Zama, Sudan, Tsohon Gurmana, Anguwan Kampani, Jankasa, Birik, Kasumi, Yekwa, Gini, Shambuyi, Baha, Kwatayi, Magami, Sabon Gidan Magami, Layi, Gavia, Darin Hula, Shana.
