The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, has advocated better funding for the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), even as the commission aims to complete the Bida Mana water works.
LEADERSHIP gathered that for over 15 years, there have been lingering water supply challenges in Bida town, and addressing these challenges will benefit 600,000 households.
The Managing Director of the Commission, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, whose appointment was recently confirmed, visited the water works and affirmed that deliberate moves were being made to revive the Bida Water Scheme, as the work is now at a 70 per cent completion stage.
He assured that his second term in office would mobilise resources for interventions that would positively impact the commission’s benefiting communities through partnerships with state governments, the National Assembly, Traditional leaders, and other stakeholders, rather than relying solely on federal government funding.
He noted that the commission has installed a 5MB transformer and connected it to 33KVA from the abandoned two smaller transformers of the 11KVA power line to the water works, the intake, and the treatment plant to energise it for reticulation and efficiency.
The Director-General, Niger State Sewage and Water Corporation, Engineer Gimba Jiya Isa, applauded the intervention of N-HYPPADEC in ensuring the revival of the water works for the benefit of no fewer than 600,000 people.
Similarly, the Head of the commission’s electrical division, Mr Ibrahim Adamu-Haruna, said the commission expended ₦308 million on the project and that the 29 items listed for supply and installation have been completed.
At the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers’ palace, he called on the Federal Government to improve the funding of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC).
He said it was given the commission’s significant role in developing the states under its mandate.
