By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin
The Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) has commended the Federal Government for approving N80 billion to mitigate the impact of anticipated flooding in vulnerable communities across the country.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of a three-day management consultative meeting with the commission’s state coordinators and area officers in Ilorin on Tuesday, HYPPADEC Managing Director, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, said the commission had also commenced the construction of resettlement houses in communities expected to be severely affected by flooding.
Yelwa said HYPPADEC is working closely with state governments, traditional institutions and the media to educate residents on flood risks and encourage those living in vulnerable areas to relocate to safer locations.
He, however, noted that additional funding would be needed to effectively address the scale of the expected flooding.
“The amount may not be sufficient considering the magnitude of the challenge, but it is better to begin than to do nothing at all. I commend President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government for taking this proactive initiative, and I hope additional resources will be made available to further protect vulnerable communities,” he said.
The managing director said the commission had sustained its annual flood preparedness campaign through early sensitisation programmes in flood-prone communities ahead of the peak of the rainy season.
On the commission’s operations, Yelwa said HYPPADEC has continued to carry out its statutory mandate despite financial constraints.
He explained that the commission is yet to fully access its statutory funding, particularly the 10 per cent revenue expected from power generation, adding that its activities are currently financed mainly through federal budgetary allocations and contributions from member states.
According to him, the continued financial support from member states has enabled the commission to implement critical development projects across its areas of operation.
Speaking on the commission’s enforcement of the “No Work, No Pay” policy, Yelwa said the measure is intended to promote discipline and accountability in the public service.
He said staff members who absent themselves from duty without valid justification should not expect to receive salaries while others continue to perform their responsibilities.
Yelwa assured member states of improved project delivery, stronger collaboration with state governments and increased stakeholder engagement.
He said the commission plans to deepen partnerships with state governments through joint funding arrangements and, where necessary, involve beneficiary communities in financing selected projects to promote ownership, sustainability and proper maintenance of public infrastructure.
The quarterly management meeting brought together directors and senior officials of the commission to review ongoing projects, assess programme implementation, address operational challenges and develop strategies for improving service delivery across HYPPADEC member states.
