The actualization of the construction of the 700mw Zungeru hydropower dam by the Federal Government has reached an advanced stage.
Delegates from the Niger State Government, led by the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe, at the instance of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello paid a visit to the dam site in Zungeru, Wushishi local government area.
This was disclosed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of the state, Mary Noel-Berje on Thursday.
Balarabe said the visit was to inspect the ongoing impoundment of one of the four turbines in December expecting the delivery of the next three by the year 2022.
“This is a major milestone and to us in Niger State, it is worth celebrating, we do hope that when the project is delivered it will improve electricity generation, improve economic activities and host of others”, he stated.
According to him, with the impoundment, it has confirmed that the project will be completed in a specified time as expected.
Meanwhile, the state government has raised concerns over the villages and hamlets still occupying parts of the dam territory even after being compensated.
The Chief of Staff who is also the Chairman of the resettlement committee said, “We will do our best to ensure that occupants are moved immediately.
“These communities have been fully compensated, resettlement sites have been allocated to them, monies for construction given to them, I wonder what they are still doing there”, he said.
Engr. Babatunde Adewumi, consultant De-Crown West Africa Company Limited, who is the representative of the Federal Ministry of Power appreciated the state government for enlightening the communities on the importance of the project as well as the synergy both parties entered in the provision of manpower and raw materials.
Adewumi said even though they were working in a security threat environment, they have been lucky not to witness any breach.
He commended both the Federal and State Government for providing security personnel as well as vigilante group for their safety.
The consultant explained that they have closed the divergence channel, to allow the reservoir to commence harvesting the water necessary to generate power in December.
He said the weather was favourable to them adding that with the required workforce on the ground, and the advanced stage of work attained, the December deadline for one of the turbine was a reality.
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