Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger on Wednesday inaugurated the N303 million national headquarters complex of the Hydro-electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), named after late Senator Dahiru Kuta.

Mr Bello also inaugurated 12 operational utility vehicles for the smooth operations of the commission.

Speaking at the event in Minna, Mr Bello urged the commission to urgently find lasting solutions to the perennial flood disaster bedevilling riverine communities in their areas of operation.

He said the commission would bring relief to the flood-prone areas and other parts of the country.

“The task of the commission is very important. Every year, water kills and destroys peoples’ properties.

“We are very happy with the commission’s commitment to meeting the desired needs of residents affected by flood and other challenges,” the governor said.

Earlier, the managing director of HYPPADEC,  Abubakar Yelwa, said the headquarters complex was built with more than N303 million to provide a conducive working environment for optimum performance.

He said the commission was specifically established to manage ecological and environmental challenges in the power-producing areas of the country.

Mr Yelwa said the take-off of the commission in 2021 raised the expectations of the inhabitants of the areas.

The managing director said plans were underway to add Kaduna, Gombe and Taraba states to the six other states of the commission as they suffered the same ecological impact of hydro dams.

He said river Kaduna supplies water to Shiroro and Zunguru dams in Niger state.

Mr Yelwa also noted that Taraba would soon host the largest hydro dam in Nigeria while Gombe also suffered from the impact of flooding.

HYPPADEC was established in 2010 to cover Kwara, Kebbi, Kogi and Niger States.

The act establishing the commission was later amended in 2013 to include Benue and Plateau states.

(NAN)