By Stephen Ojo
The youths in Zumba, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State are accusing 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 Youths Association also know as Afaniyi Zhimwa Gbodogu Zumba, honourable Amadu Kilishi stated this in a statement issued on Sunday in Minna.
He expressed surprise 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 youths 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 patient of the youths has been overstretched, they are ready to continue engaging the companies in meaningful dialogue towards peaceful and amicable resolution of the situation.
He explained that the only health centre in Zumba town has been taking over by goats and reptiles due to decades of neglect, saying: “The health centre was last renovated in 2012 by an NYSC member.”
He also called on the management of the companies to provide employment opportunities for the youths in the recruitment of junior staff for their economic empowerment.
The Chairman said the youths are however worried that the managements of the companies are not responding to several correspondences on the requesting for development projects as part of their corporate social responsibilities to the host communities of the Shiroro HydroElectric Power Plant.