The Federal government has Commissioned a gigantic water scheme project in Yauri town under the Yauri local government area of Kebbi State amounting to two billion (N2billion), which was initiated its rehabilitation works by the National- Hydro Power Producing Development Commission (N- HYPPADEC)
Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), commissioned the project on Thursday.
Speaking during the event held at the Emir’s palace in Yauri, the SGF, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Simeun Ugwu, said the rehabilitation of the Yauri Water Scheme was a symbol of progress, development and the federal government’s commitment to improving the lives of all Nigerians.
According to Akume, the giant project initiated by N-HYPPADEC several years ago in the ancient town of Yauri was a subtle initiative of the commission under its pioneer managing director, Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa.
He traced the project’s roots to the 1960s, when the Kainji dam was constructed, and suggested relocating some communities from their original settlements.
Akume said Yelwan Yauri was one of those towns that made significant sacrifices “for the greater good of our country.” The federal government recognises this paradox and has worked to eliminate water scarcity, especially in power-producing communities nationwide.
Specialised agencies such as N-HYPPADEC have been at the forefront of these efforts, drilling solar motorised boreholes and hand pumps to enhance water supply across all areas where the commission operates,” he added.
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris said the project was a partnership between the Kebbi Government and N-HYPPADEC to improve the livelihood of the state’s citizens.
Idris, represented by the Kebbi House of Assembly Speaker, Muhammad Usman-Zuru, described the project as a life-saving scheme, adding that water is life.
He said the collaboration underscored the state and federal government’s commitment to improving citizens’ lives, especially in critical sectors like water supply.
While appreciating N-HYPPADEC for the rehabilitation works, the governor said the Yauri Water Scheme was not just an infrastructure project but a lifeline to the citizens of Yauri and Kebbi State.
Earlier, the Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, said the project was crucial to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s exemplary leadership on the renewed hope agenda.
He noted that the agenda prioritises improving Nigerians’ quality of life, assuring that the provision of clean, safe, reliable, and potable water is a cornerstone of the president’s vision.
Sadiq Yelwa described the Kebbi Government as a steadfast partner to the commission, adding that the state government’s support had been invaluable in implementing various initiatives across the state.
He also lauded the Emir of Yauri, Dr Muhammad Zayyanu-Abdullahi, for proposing the project during the commission’s familiarisation tour in 2021.
The MD further disclosed that the water scheme would significantly improve the living conditions of the Yauri people by ensuring a consistent supply of treated water to households, businesses, and institutions.
