Shiroro Community Appeals to FG For Improved Living Conditions

Aug 23, 2011 – Shiroro Community Appeals to FG For Improved Living Conditions

The Shiroro Community in Niger State have cried out to President Goodluck Jonathan and PHCN to prevail on Shiroro Hydroelectric Plc.

Malam Audu Adamu, the Dallatun Shiroro, decried the poor condition of living of the host communities to the Shiroro Hydro Power station and dam.

The traditional ruler revealed that ever since the Dam was built, nothing has been given to them in form of compensation for the destruction of their farmlands and their shrines.

“Electricity is generated and distributed to other parts of the country from here, yet we live in darkness.Our transformer at Zumba broke down three months ago. Up till now, PHCN has not repaired it.

“President Jonathan should talk to PHCN to come to our aid by repairing the transformer and providing us with other social amenities because my people are suffering.
“We don’t have schools. Every year, our children have to travel in canoes across the river in search of education.There is no hospital in Shiroro Jami. When we fall sick, we travel all the way to Minna, almost three-hour journey. Some people die before reaching the hospital.
“President Jonathan should talk to PHCN to come to our aid by repairing the transformer and providing us with other social amenities because my people are suffering.”

Adamu also complained about the dam washing away farmlands, destroying houses and turning the river into mud water when opened.

Also speaking, Alhaji Ahmed Sule, the General Secretary, Jebba North Youth Association, urged the National Assembly to step up action on the Hydroelectric Power Area Development Commission (HYPADEC) bill pending before it.

He said that passing of the bill would go a long way in alleviating poverty and reducing youth restiveness in the host communities.

“If the commission comes on board, it is not only Jebbacommunity or Niger State that will benefit from it. All the bordering communities in Kwara and Kebbi states will also gain from its establishment,’’ he noted

The secretary appealed to the PHCN to make good its pledge  of building schools, providing potable water, health facilities and electricity to the host communities.