HYPPADEC Pledges Social, Infrastructure Support For Communities In Taraba

Residents of communities affected by hydroelectric dam operations in Taraba State are to benefit from the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), expanded social and infrastructural interventions in the state.

The managing director of the Commission, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the N-HYPPADEC management team to Governor Agbu Kefas at the Government House, Jalingo.

Alhaji Yelwa, said the Commission is strengthening collaboration with the Taraba State Government to enhance ecological remediation and socio-economic development in communities impacted by hydroelectric power projects.

According to him, N-HYPPADEC remains committed to addressing environmental degradation resulting from dam operations, in line with its mandate to promote sustainable development in power-producing areas.

“In line with the Commission’s mandate to reverse ecological damage caused by hydroelectric dam operations and promote sustainable socio-economic development, N-HYPPADEC has provided social and infrastructural interventions across Wukari, Takum, Ibi, Ardo-Kola, Karim-Lamido, Jalingo, Yorro and Lau Local Government Areas,” he said.

The managing director disclosed that since 2024, the Commission has implemented several projects across Taraba State, including the installation of 34 solar-powered streetlights in riverine communities and parts of Jalingo metropolis to improve security and boost economic activities at night.

He added that 15 solar-powered boreholes have been constructed to enhance access to clean and reliable water, while 32 power tiller machines were distributed to farming cooperatives to improve agricultural productivity.

In recognition of the state’s riverine challenges, Alhaji Yelwa revealed that the Commission supplied two operational flying boats along the Lau – Karim – Lamido and Ibi – Wukari axes to improve emergency response and mobility.

He further disclosed that two water buses, each with a capacity of 30 passengers, are set for delivery along the Ibi/Wukari route, following a request by the Aku-Uka of Wukari.

Alhaji Yelwa said the Commission also carried out extensive desilting and evacuation of blocked drainages and culverts, covering about 40,000 linear metres across several local government areas to mitigate flooding and environmental risks.

Other interventions, he said, include the supply and installation of electricity transformers in Jalingo, as well as payment of NECO external examination fees for students from power-producing communities.

He explained that the inclusion of Taraba, Kaduna, Gombe and Nasarawa states as new member states of N-HYPPADEC in June 2023 by President Bola Tinubu was to acknowledge the long-standing environmental and social burdens borne by communities hosting hydroelectric projects.

“Flooding, erosion, environmental degradation, displacement and disruption of livelihoods are real challenges faced by these communities,” he said.

He noted that Taraba occupies a strategic position within the Commission’s mandate due to its hosting of the Kashimbila Hydropower Plant and its role within the Mambilla Plateau hydropower corridor, an area vital to Nigeria’s energy future but environmentally fragile.

“These projects may appear modest, but they translate into safer neighbourhoods, protected homes, improved farm output and renewed confidence in government presence,” he stressed.

While reaffirming N-HYPPADEC’s commitment to doing more in Taraba State, Alhaji Yelwa called for deeper collaboration with the state government, particularly in flood mitigation, infrastructure development in education and healthcare, youth empowerment and agriculture.

He also sought the state’s support in identifying locations for area offices, which he described as critical for rapid response and effective community engagement.

In his response, Governor Agbu Kefas commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as visionary leadership in admitting Taraba State into the Commission.

The governor assured the Commission of the state government’s continued collaboration with development partners to drive sustainable development and improve the welfare of the people.