From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna
The National Hydro Power Producing Areas Development Commission N- HYPPADEC has reviewed by 100% contracts for the building construction of Muregi resettlement centre for flood victims in Mokwa local government of Niger state, so as to ensure its completion decades after.
N- HYPPADEC Managing Director, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa made the disclosure during his inspection visit to the site along side his team to ascertain the level of work and compliance, which he described as satisfactory.
Yelwa explained that the review became necessary due to escalating prices of building materials by 100% for the expected 200 units of 2 bedroom flats but 120 units is ongoing in which 82 are at between 60 – 80% completion hence the cost of each building stands at N12 million from initial N6 million.
He stressed that non of the contractors are owned by the commission, adding that they are happy with the review that’s they remain on the site, noting that the target is to ensure its completion for occupation by the beneficiaries paying attention to Nimet and other agencies warning of flooding this year which is sensitive to the community.
The MD also assured to renovate the resident of the district head and the mosque as well to provide health facility and a block of classroom when buildings are occupied, saying that the Bida Emirates, local government and the State Government will be informed to facilitate allocation to the benefiting communities.
He revealed that the commission’s concern in improving lives of the people will not be compromised as a preventative and intervention agency, emphasized that 60 of such housing units in Ketso, 50 units in Shiroro while 30 is ongoing 100 targeted but insecurity affecting its works.
Yelwa maintained that 40 of such houses completed in Kwara, 40 in Kebbi and 30 in Benue state respectively while charging on the Communities to take full ownership of those projects to ensure maintenance, sustainability and it effective use.
He noted that several lives, properties like houses, animals and farmlands were lost through annual flooding before the establishment of N- HYPPADEC which has drastically reduced due to proactive measures of construction of drainages in Koton-Karfe in Kogi and Benue states to avert reoccurrence of flooding.
He therefore called on the federal government for the dredging of River Niger to end flooding and complete the Baro Port to also improve the Nigerian economy and generate massive employment for the teaming youths in the country.
On his part, Niger State Coordinator in charge of Muregi resettlement centre, Engineer Mohammed Muregi expressed satisfaction with the intervention of the commission which he described as overwhelming sequel to the concern and commitment of the Managing Director in actualizing years of their dream comes true.
He expressed satisfaction with the standard and quality of work done so far that have changed the narrative of providing a permanent home for the people of the community which will eliminate fear of death during flooding among others.
