By Ifueko Blessing Osayande

The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission on Tuesday handed over 20 resettlement housing units to families of internally displaced persons affected by recurrent flooding in Benue State.

The Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Sadiq Yelwa, stated this during the inauguration of the project at Mbagen in Buruku Local Government Area of the state.

According to the managing director, the resettlement project will restore hope and dignity to the victims, adding that the Federal Government is committed to improving the lives of communities affected by hydroelectric power generation.

The managing director, who was represented by the commission’s Director of Finance and Administration, Mr Jimoh Gabi, explained that the commission was established to address the developmental, environmental and socio-economic challenges confronting hydropower-producing communities.

The managing director listed the commission’s areas of intervention to include housing, healthcare, education, agriculture, water supply, environmental protection, renewable energy and empowerment programmes.

He said, “Sixty-three housing units were approved across beneficiary local government areas in Benue, with the first 20 completed and ready for occupation.

“The completed units comprise 10 houses in Buruku and another 10 in Guma Local Government Area for families displaced by flooding.

“We urge beneficiaries to maintain these homes as lasting assets while the Commission remains committed to completing the remaining units and implementing more development projects across its mandate areas.”

Yelwa applauded the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the Benue State Government, traditional rulers and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative.

In his speech, the SGF, who was represented by the Director of Engineering and Technical Services, N-HYPPADEC, Prof. Daniel Ipilakya, stated that the resettlement housing project was one of the flagship interventions of his office.

While stating that the project also demonstrated the government’s commitment to strengthening climate resilience, reducing disaster risks and improving the quality of life of vulnerable communities, the SGF noted that the housing units represented safety and renewed livelihoods.

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Deborah Aber, commended the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of communities affected by hydroelectric power projects and addressing displacement with dignity and compassion.

He assured N-HYPPADEC of his administration’s cooperation in facilitating the inspection, handover and occupation of the housing units by the beneficiaries.

Also speaking, the traditional ruler of the area, the Ter Buruku, His Royal Highness Moses Hanior, described the project as a major milestone that would improve the welfare of residents.

The project was inaugurated by Alia through his representative, Mrs Aber.