N-HYPPADEC hands over 20 resettlement homes to flood-displaced families in Benue

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has commissioned and handed over 20 resettlement housing units to families displaced by recurrent flooding in Benue State, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting communities affected by hydroelectric power activities.

The housing units, commissioned on Tuesday at Mbagen in Buruku Local Government Area, are part of a broader intervention aimed at restoring hope, dignity and sustainable livelihoods to victims of recurring floods.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Mr. Sadiq Yelwa, said the project reflects the Federal Government’s resolve to improve the living conditions of communities impacted by hydroelectric power generation.

Represented by the Commission’s Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Jimoh Gabi, Yelwa explained that N-HYPPADEC was established to tackle the developmental, environmental and socio-economic challenges confronting hydropower-producing communities through interventions in housing, healthcare, education, agriculture, water supply, environmental protection, renewable energy and empowerment programmes.

He disclosed that the Commission approved the construction of 63 housing units across beneficiary local government areas in Benue, with the first phase comprising 20 completed homes now ready for occupation.

According to him, 10 of the completed houses are located in Buruku Local Government Area, while the remaining 10 are in Guma Local Government Area, all designated for families displaced by flooding.

He urged the beneficiaries to maintain the homes, describing them as long-term assets, and assured that the Commission would complete the remaining units while expanding development projects across its mandate areas.

Yelwa also appreciated the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the Benue State Government, traditional rulers and other stakeholders for their support in making the project a reality.

In his remarks, the SGF, Senator George Akume, described the resettlement housing scheme as one of the flagship interventions of his office.

Represented by Prof. Daniel Ipilakya, Director of Engineering and Technical Services at N-HYPPADEC, Akume said the housing units symbolise safety, restored livelihoods and the Federal Government’s determination not to abandon communities affected by natural disasters.

He noted that the project also demonstrates government’s commitment to strengthening climate resilience, reducing disaster risks and improving the quality of life of vulnerable populations.

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, commended N-HYPPADEC for completing and handing over the housing units to the beneficiaries.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Deborah Aber, the governor praised the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing displacement with dignity and compassion while improving the welfare of communities affected by hydroelectric power projects.

Alia assured the Commission of the state’s continued cooperation in facilitating the inspection, handover and occupation of the housing units and pledged sustained collaboration with development partners to promote inclusive development and improve living standards across the state.

Also speaking, the Ter Buruku, His Royal Highness Moses Hanior, described the project as a major milestone for the community, saying it would significantly improve the welfare of residents.

The traditional ruler assured N-HYPPADEC that the community would safeguard and properly maintain the housing units. He also appealed to the Commission to construct a perimeter fence around the Mbagen Comprehensive Health Centre to enhance security.

Hanior commended Governor Alia for prioritising rural development and appreciated the Chairman of Buruku Local Government Area, Hon. Raymond Azege, for supporting the successful execution of the project.

He equally thanked the Federal Government, N-HYPPADEC and the Benue State Government for what he described as a significant intervention that would boost community development.

The project was formally commissioned by Governor Alia through his representative, Mrs. Deborah Aber.