Commence payment of N2bn compensation to Zungeru dam communities, FG told

The senator representing Niger East, David Umaru has urged the state government to commence the disbursement of the N2billion compensation to the 10 host communities of Zungeru dam project.
The amount was released by the federal government to resettle those affected by the dam project months ago without any sign of compensation and resettlement.
The senator made this call at the weekend during a sympathy visit to the victims at the IDP camp in Zungeru primary school.
He expressed concern over the continued delay in payment of compensation to the affected people several months after the money was released to the state government, adding that the host communities have been perpetually endangered by mining activities and release of water by construction firms handling the dam.
He said that it was unacceptable for the communities who are part of his constituency to be forced to remain in the dam area after their ancestral homes and farm lands have been acquired by government in the face of several hazards.
He said, “The welfare of the people should be paramount.
I have just heard the complaints of the traditional ruler of Gungu, the area affected by the activities of the dam, that his people have not been compensated.
I know that the federal government has released about N2billion to resettle and compensate the affected people.
“I do not know what is delaying the exercise.
However, I will want to call on the state government to immediately commence payment of compensation and resettle affected communities.” In his remark, the Sarkin Gungu, Alhaji Yahaya Adamu said the flood in his communities was caused by water released by the dam, adding that about 10 communities have been submerged in water forcing not less than 500 people out of their homes.

 

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