The Federal Government and the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) have handed over the newly rehabilitated N2bn Yauri Water Works, abandoned for over 50 years, to the state government and the people of the area.
Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume who commissioned the water works at Yauri town, noted that the completion of the project signified the determination of the federal government to provide clean and safe water to all Nigerians.
Akume, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Simion Ugwu, said “the rehabilitation of Yauri Water Works is a symbol of progress, development and the federal government’s commitment to improving the standard of living of all Nigerians.
This giant project initiated by HYPPADEC several months ago is an initiative of the management of the Commission under the leadership of the pioneer Managing Director of the Commission, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq -Yelwa.
“The root of the project could be traced back to 1960 when the construction of the Kainji Dam was about to begin and the relocation of many people from their original settlements (became inevitable). Yelwa Yauri is one of those towns that make that significant sacrifice for the greater good of the country.
“The Federal Government recognizes this paradox and has been working hard to ensure that water scarcity becomes a thing of the past, especially in the power producing communities across the country,” Akume recalled.
The SGF noted that specialized agencies like HYPPADEC have been in the forefront to improve the living standard of people through digging of bore holes, provision of Solar light,and hand water pumps to enhance water supply across the country.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris who was represented by the Speaker, Kebbi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Muhammed Usman Zuru, commended HYPPADEC for their intervention, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Water Resources, adding that their actions would stem the incidence of waterborne diseases, improve lives of the people as well their health.
In his remarks, the managing director of HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq -Yelwa explained that the Emir of Yauri, Dr Muhammad Zayyanu Abdullahi had approached the Commission on the need to rehabilitate the water works during the agency’s visit to the Royal Highness.
He disclosed that, after understudying the water works in collaboration with the Kebbi State Ministry of Water Resources, they have rehabilitated two existing water tanks, procured additional two tanks to enhance water supply to Yauri and its environment.
Yelwa also said that four water pumps, which were procured, could operate for 35 years if properly maintained.
“Over N2 billion was spent on this project. Without proper maintenance of this facility,our efforts would be in futility. Therefore,the Kebbi state Government and Yauri Emirate Council should meet the contractor on how best to maintain the project,” he said
In his remark, the Emir of Yauri, Dr Muhammad Zayyanu Abdullahi, welcomed the rehabilitation of the water works as a great joy and deep sense of fulfilment for the people of Yauri-Emirate..
“This moment brings us great joy and a deep sense of fulfilment,as it is a day that many of our people have waited for over five decades to see,” he said.
