The Managing Director of the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), Alhaji Abubakar Yelwa, stated that the Commission would continue to address the challenges that hydroelectric power producing communities face.
Yelwa made the assurance during the opening ceremony of a five-day governing council retreat in Port Harcourt to develop the Commission’s strategic plan.
“The ecological issues confronting the devastating communities as a result of rain overflooding their farms, homes, schools, and hospitals are so massive that they are deprived of the opportunity to improve their livelihoods.”
“We conducted a need assessment and enumeration exercise in which we visited 227 political wards within the six states that comprise the hydroelectric power communities.”
He mentioned that the Commission has council members from Kebbi, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Plateau, and Benue states on its board.
According to Yelwa, this resulted in the identification of the challenges and priorities of the communities with hydroelectric power.
“We have identified 150 communities that require immediate pipe-borne water provision and have submitted a request to the Bureau of Public Procurement for the award of solar power boreholes to over 120 communities.”
“There are plans in the works to renovate dilapidated primary and secondary schools, as well as primary health care centers.”
“This is not to compete with existing government in the areas, but to intervene and provide immediate assistance to the affected communities within the Commission’s jurisdictions,” he explained.
The Commission, according to the Managing Director, has also paid for the registration of over 220 indigent students from affected communities for the upcoming West African Examination Council and National Examination Council.
“We have created an enabling environment so that communities can feel the impact of the Commission in their areas,” Yelwa explained.
Mr Ekpo Nta, Chairman of the Salary, Income and Wages Commission, advised the HYPPADEC management in his speech to stick to its mandate and keep promises made to the people.
Nta, who is also the retreat’s keynote speaker, spoke on the topic “HYPPADEC high moves, failed promises, learning from the past agencies.”
To achieve success in the Commission, he urged the Commission to collaborate with other organizations and select its representatives based on competence rather than sentiment.
“You should also address the issue of women and youth unemployment to ensure your Commission’s success,” he said.