The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) stated that it will work with relevant agencies of the Niger State government to revive the moribund Bida Mana Water Works in Bida Local Council, thereby providing potable drinking water to the residents of the town and its neighbouring communities.

The Managing Director (N-HYPPADEC), Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, made the promise in Bida on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, when he led the management team of the commission on an inspection visit to Bida Mana Water Works, aimed at ending the 15 years of ongoing water challenges facing Bida town and its environs.

Sadiq Yelwa, who was reappointed last week for his second term, assumed office on Tuesday and immediately went to inspect the site to assess the level of work. He confirmed that significant efforts have been made, with approximately 70 percent of the project now completed.

The N-HYPPADIC boss emphasised that his second term will think outside the box to secure resources for interventions aimed at positively impacting the community through partnerships with state governments, NASS, and traditional leaders, rather than relying solely on the federal government.

He highlighted that the commission has so far installed a 5MB transformer and connected it to 33KVA from two abandoned smaller transformers on the 11KVA power line. He also advised technically that the other two smaller transformers should be worked on, the in-take, and the treatment plant should be energised, with power supplied for reticulation to enhance effective and efficient service delivery.

The MD added, “The commission is to power the water work. The Niger State government awarded the contract for the reticulation while exploring how the commission could intervene to restore efficient water supply to the ancient town of Bida.”

Yelwa had earlier assured that N-HYPPADEC would collaborate with relevant agencies to revive the water works, emphasising that access to clean and safe portable drinking water remains a priority for the commission in its commitment to improving the lives of people in host communities.
He hinted that the Muregi and Ketso resettlement centres have been completed for relocation and allocation.

Also, the Director General of Niger State Sewage and Water Corporation, Engr. Gimba Jiya Isa, praised the intervention of N-HYPPADEC in reviving Bida Mana Water Works after about 14 years out of operation, serving a population of over 600,000.

He assured that he would report back to the state government on other challenges, such as the water treatment plant and reticulation, as well as the 20 pumping machines that are required.

Similarly, the Head of the Electrical Division of the commission, Engr. Ibrahim Adamu Haruna, revealed that the commission has spent ₦308 million on the project and noted that the 29 items listed for supply and installation have been completed.

He added that the integrity test of the two former transformers was needed before power could be energised, yet residents continue to struggle with irregular and insufficient water supplies.

The Managing Director had earlier paid homage to the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of Niger State traditional rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, at his palace to brief him on the inspection visit and the challenges hindering the project’s completion as scheduled.

Responding, the Etsu Nupe, who lamented over years of lack of portable pipe-borne water supply to Bida town, praised the efforts of N-HYPPADEC for the intervention projects that have positively impacted the living standards of the people. He assured support and assistance not only for the completion of the ongoing work but also for the commission’s activities and for ensuring the community takes ownership of the facilities.