From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi

The Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) has penciled down over N900million for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the 42 years old Yauri Water works as part of the agency interventions to ease challenges of the affected communities.

Managing Director of the Commission, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa disclosed this while briefing newsmen during the staff of the agency, Kebbi state Water Board staff and Engineers inspection tour at the Yauri Water works.

Yelwa, explained that such intervention would be extended to other Power Producing Communities which have series of challenges because of the unfulfilled agreement reached when the Kanji dam was constructed.

According to him ,”I think for now, base of the first meeting we had with the Kebbi state government, our Engineers, we have penciled down N900 millions for now for the project and we are ready to do more as we access the situation.. One thing I want to emphasis here is the encouragement, commitment of the Kebbi state government on this project. I am confused and motivated by their support and we are committed to do the same to other power producing communities “.

While speaking on their discovery during the inspection, Yelwa said that they were surprised with the level of infrastructure decayed, and facilities at the works.

 

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He said: ” this project is beyond our assumption, because, virtually, there is serious dilapidation of infrastructure here. There are some areas that need serious upgrading, replacement. The State Government has the qualified water works contractor whom we are going to sign the contract with and undertaking will be take by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Kebbi state Ministry of Water Resources and HYPPADEC so that no stone will be untouched in enduring that a final solution is preferred to the Yauri water problem “, he said.

 

He explained that, the agency, after the inspection of the water works, would have a stakeholders meeting which would comprises of the Kebbi state Government, HYPPADEC , to discuss about their discoveries during the inspection, analyse the issues and draw the line of action which shall be follow by the commencement of the project in the next few weeks.

Earlier, the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammad Zayyanu Abdullahi, while reacting to the agency intervention, commended them for their prompt action ,stressed that the agency was doing humanitarian services to the power producing communities which have been neglected for many years.

The Emir added that, their intervention, would put an end to decades of water problems, been experience in Yauri town and other nearest villages.

 

In his remarks, the General Manager of Kebbi State Water Board, Engineer Zayyanu Shehu also commended HYPPADEC for carry along the Staff, Engineers of the board, who have been managing the water works since it creation in 1980,stressed that, when the rehabilitation of the project was completed, it would make it easier for the staff on ground to maintain it.