Flooding in Niger Causes Destruction, Urgent Action Needed

Flooding in Niger, attributed to the overflow of River Gurara following heavy rainfall, has resulted in significant destruction of homes, fish ponds, and farmlands, impacting the livelihoods of local communities. Alhaji Salihu Muhammadu, the Etsu Muye, expressed concerns during an inspection of a water control wall construction project by the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), which is budgeted at N700 million.

He criticized the slow pace of construction and urged contractors to expedite the work to mitigate further damage as the August rains have commenced. The flooding has filled fish ponds with sand, overtaken markets, and cut off roads connecting communities.

Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, the Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, represented by Haruna Jimoh Gabi, the Director of Finance and Administration, acknowledged the release of funds but attributed delays to technical issues. Abdullahi Mahmud, the Member of the House of Representatives for Agaie/Lapai Federal Constituency, also called for timely completion of the embankment to prevent further disasters.