The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to reversing ecological damages caused by operations of hydroelectric dams in power-producing communities in Gombe State.
The managing director (MD), National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), Abubakar Sadiq, said this in Gombe on Saturday during a courtesy visit to the state’s deputy governor, Manassah Jatau.
He said that while Nigeria benefitted from hydroelectric power generation, it must not ignore the fact that communities hosting these facilities, often bear significant environmental and livelihood burdens.
He said it was in this regards that HYPPADEC was established to tackle such challenges affecting host communities in all its members states in the country.
According to him, it is the commission’s sacred duty to ensure that these communities do not suffer in silence, while the nation prospers from their sacrifices.
He noted that since the inclusion of Gombe State in HYPPADEC states following its Dadin Kowa Hydropower Dam, the commission had intervened toward tackling ecological disruptions and livelihood impacts in areas affected by hydroelectric dam operations.
Mr Sadiq said that the intervention in the state, targeted the people from the affected communities facing unique challenges, from flooding and environmental degradation, to the loss of agricultural lands and fishing grounds.
“We have supplied 1,100 life-jackets to riverine communities, with the view of enhancing safety for those whose livelihoods depend on water.
“We have provided an operational flying boat to Kupto Community in Funakaye, to facilitate emergency response and transportation.
“34 solar streetlights now brighten several rural communities and parts of Gombe township, as part of our efforts to improve security and quality of night life.
“We have constructed 16 solar-powered boreholes, with a view to providing clean water access; some completed, others are near completion.
“Our team has de-silted 40,000 linear metres of blocked drainages and culverts, hoping to mitigate flood risks across affected communities.
“In the education sector, we have constructed three blocks of classrooms in Dukku, Nafada, and Yamaltu Deba, with two completed and one ongoing.
“We have also supported 30 students by paying their NECO examination fees, as a way of investing in the future of our young people,” he said.
The MD said that the commission would be boosting agricultural productivity, by supplying 45 power tillers to communities and cooperatives across the state.
He added that the commission would develop comprehensive strategies to protect communities from recurring flooding while addressing broader environmental concerns.
He reassured that the state government remained committed to strengthening its partnership with the commission, towards ensuring effective service delivery in the state.
(NAN)