The Governor of Niger State, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello on Thursday attended the official closing of the four gates of the 700mw Zungeru Hydro Electricity Dam.
The closing of the gates indicates that the Zungeru Hydro Electricity Dam is almost ready to commence full operations.
The Governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff and Chairman, Niger State Infrastructure Committee, Ibrahim Balarabe Kagara said the project will play a vital role in addressing the issue of power shortage and will also contribute to boosting the state’s economy.
The Chief of Staff who went round the facility expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done while expressing optimism that the project will benefit Nigerlites and the entire country.
Hon. Balarabe Kagara also said that the project which is situated in Niger state will create employment for both educated and non-educated residents of the state.
He further explained that the ripple effect will add value and would generate more revenue and boost the economic activities in the state.
“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 been 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 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.
