HYPADEC To Address Ecological Problems In Catchment Areas

The Management of the Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPADEC) has pledged to address all ecological problems in the commission’s catchment areas.
Managing Director of the commission, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt at a five day retreat for the development of strategic plan for the commission.
Alhaji Sadiq said large number of communities within the commission’s catchment area are devastated by flooding occasioned by the sitting of the Hydro Power Dam in the area.
He said most of the communities are flooded as well as their farms and classrooms.

The HYPADEC MD also said the commission has conducted a need assessment in the various communities with the view to finding out their problems, stressing that the commission has already commenced the provision of water to over 150 communities.
He said WAEC and NECO form have also been purchased to school children.
Earlier in an address, the managing director said the commission which was established far back 2010 only become operational January this year.
“As you are aware, the Hydro electric power producing areas development commission was established by the federal government to address ecological challenges and promote socio economic development of communities affected by the operations of Hydro electric dams in the six states of Niger, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Benue and plateau.
“The commission though established as far back as 2010 could not become effective until January this year.
He said the challenges of the communities are enormous as it represents five decades of sacrifice in terms of means of livelihood, beautiful vegetation and cultural artifacts among other by the affected communities for the country to have electricity from operations of Hydro electric dams.
Sadiq said the enormity of the challenges facing the commission demands the management to commit itself and bring the necessary experience to bear in discharging its responsibilities as pioneer council and management in delivering on it mandate.
He said within the last one year, the commission has recorded feats that are gradually changing the narratives of the living conditions of communities in the HYPADEC states.
Declaring the event opened, chairman of the commission, Hon Barrister Joseph Tarfa Otyau said the retreat was to enable the management workout strategic programmes towards addressing the plights of the host communities.
He said with the caliber of staff at its disposal HYPADEC will surely succeed in its assignment.
It would be noted that HYPADEC, which is made up of six states which include Niger, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Benue and Plateau has its headquarters in Minna Niger State.

By: John Bibor