From Saka Bolaji , Minna
Communities affected by the on-going construction of Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Dam Project in Niger state have been charged to continue to exercise patience as government has concluded plan towards ensuring full payment of their entitlements to the sum of about N1billion.
The Chairman Compensation and Relocation Committee and Niger state Commissioner of Works and Transport, Hon. Abdulmalik Usman Cheche disclosed this when he addressed people affected by the construction of the dam at the HYPPADEC Secretariat in Minna.
He disclosed that the Federal Government has been making efforts to fulfil its obligation by paying compensation to those communities affected in order to fast tract the compensation and enhanced the Zungeru Dam Project within the stipulated period.
Cheche added that the payments are being effected in order to enable the contractors carry out their works uninterruptedly on the site.
The Commissioner explained that the payments would be in phases hence it will be paid according to the proximity of the communities to the dam site, adding that about 98 communities are to be displaced.
He emphasized on the changes in the mode of payment noted that it was due to security issues, saying each individual will take to bank his/her documents which will comprise their data to be captured by the bank, a departure from the usual issuance of cheque, he noted.
The representative of the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Engr. Owoeye Olatunbosu who expressed satisfaction on the level of work done said that the current payment will ensure the rock blasters near the project site to settle down for work to avoid distraction from those in those locations.
He stressed that when the dam project is completed it will generate up to 700 megawatts of electricity to the national grid.
Olatunbosu however said that payment to each individual depends on the size of their farmland which was determined by the State Ministry of Lands and Housing, adding that the next phase of payment will commence next week.
Community spokesman, Ambassador Mohammed Haruna Manta who appreciated the federal government gesture on the released of the funds also applauded the Niger State Government under the leadership of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello for setting up the 23-man committee which comprises of people of proven integrity.
Ambassador Manta said the commencement of the payment has shown the zeal and determination of the Federal Government to hasten the completion of Zungeru Dam Project which will be of immense economic benefit to Niger State and the entire nation.
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