Abdullahi Mahmoud, the Member representing Lapai/Agaie federal constituency of Niger State, expressed deep concern over the recurring floods that have severely affected at least 38 communities in his constituency. The devastating impact has crippled the socio-economic activities of the predominantly farming and fishing communities, resulting in a loss of livelihood.
During an inspection tour of a Retaining Wall project intervention at the river Gurara bank in Lapai local government area, Mahmoud highlighted the urgent need for intervention to mitigate the annual flooding. He approached the National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Commission (N-HYPPADEC) for support, emphasizing the looming threat of the upcoming rainy season.
Grateful for the swift response and intervention by N-HYPPADEC, Mahmoud thanked the commission for the construction of a new, durable retaining wall to prevent erosion and future disasters in the affected areas. He noted the historical failure of federal government attempts to address the issue, highlighting the significance of the newly constructed retaining wall in averting future flooding and its impact on the people.
The commission’s chairman, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, represented by the Director of Operation, Ilyasu Abdullahi Wara, acknowledged engineering failure as the primary cause of the collapsed initial retaining walls. Yelwa reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to providing relief to communities affected by flooding, citing the unbearable living conditions resulting from persistent flooding and environmental degradation in hydropower producing states.
Additionally, the Sarkin Arewa of Muye, Mohammed Ndagi Mahmud, expressed gratitude to the commission for their intervention, emphasizing the nightmares faced by the community due to the collapse of the wall.
The intervention by N-HYPPADEC serves as a beacon of hope for the affected communities, offering a lasting solution to the devastating impact of floods on livelihoods and the environment.
