The youth in Zumba, Shiroro local government area of Niger state weekend accused the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the management of North South Power Company (NSP) of neglecting the host communities of Shiroro Hydroelectric Dam for over 40 years without provision of basic amenities and development projects.
Chairman of the youth association also known as Afaniyi Zhimwa Gbodogu Zumba, Hon Amadu Kilishi, stated this in a statement issued Sunday in Minna.
He expressed dismay over the neglect of host communities to the Hydroelectric Power Plant for over four decades by its management, adding that, “we have kept our peace over the years hoping that the management of the power plant would respond to the plight of the youth favourably. But unfortunately, this is not the case.”
He described the lack of access roads, health facilities, transformers, portable water supply and other essential facilities in several communities displaced by the dam as pathetic adding that, “the sufferings and hardship of our people are increasingly becoming unbearable.”
Kilishi said although the patience of the youth has been overstretched, they are ready to continue engaging the companies in meaningful dialogue towards peaceful and amicable resolution of the situation.
He added that the only health centre in Zumba town has been taking over by goats and reptiles due to decades of abandonment adding that, “the health centre was last renovated in 2012 by one NYSC member.”
