Zungeru hydro dam 45% completed, says FG

The Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing yesterday gave a firm assurance that the Zungeru hydro power plant in Niger state will soon be completed to help solve the menace of power failure in the country.

Ministry officials who embarked on inspection of the project similarly assured that work on the project is already 45 per cent complete.

The Zungeru Hydro power plant is a joint project between the Federal Government and the Chinese government with financial contribution of 75/25.

The dam is said to be the second largest reservoir in Nigeria.

The project manager of the Ministry, Olatunbosun Owoye said the project was delayed due to expansion of the Kaduna river from 2km to 5km to control flood from affecting residents of the communities.

He added that 175mw would be completed by December 2019.

Owoye disclosed that basic amenities would be provided to the 98 communities that fall within the dam location.

The local content representative, Mustapha Yerima said the relationship between the government and the communities has improved as 36 settlements have been provided for the displaced residents.