Niger communities seek probe of Zungeru dam compensation

District Head of Gurumana Chiefdom in Niger State, Alhaji Aliyu Umar, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari, to institute a probe into the confusion trailing compensation of communities affected by construction of the Zugeru dam. The traditional ruler lamented that despite approval by the past administration to compensate and relocate his communities, nothing has been […]

District Head of Gurumana Chiefdom in Niger State, Alhaji Aliyu Umar, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari, to institute a probe into the confusion trailing compensation of communities affected by construction of the Zugeru dam.
The traditional ruler lamented that despite approval by the past administration to compensate and relocate his communities, nothing has been done till date. Speaking with newsmen yesterday, the district head said his council and the people were never approached over the relocation and compensation, noting that intermediaries were used to ‘‘short-change’’ the people.
He said the lives of his subjects are in danger, as construction works at the dam has continued.
He lamented that so many lives and property, including crops, farmlands and livestock are lost yearly to the activities of Shiroro dam, noting that all communities at the Zugeru downstream are under threat of extinction if nothing is done to relocate them.
The senator representing Niger-East District, David Umaru, described the situation as unfortunate, while promising to intensify pressure to ensure that the controversy surrounding the compensation is resolved.