Kaduna communities hosting Gurara Dam lament lack of electricity, potable water

The Chairman of Kachia Local Government Area in Kaduna State, Dr Manzo Maigari, has expressed concern that communities hosting the Gurara Dam continue to suffer from a lack of electricity and clean water despite accommodating one of Nigeria’s major hydroelectric and water infrastructure projects.

Maigari made the remarks during a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the North Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (NHYPPADEC) in Kaduna.

“Host communities deserve basic amenities”

According to the council chairman, it is unfair that the Gurara Dam supplies water to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) while nearby communities remain without electricity and access to potable water.

He urged relevant authorities to ensure that residents benefiting least from the project are not left behind.

Insecurity and displacement worsen

Maigari also said the presence of the dam has contributed to growing insecurity in Kachia and neighbouring Kagarko Local Government Area.

He explained that the availability of water has attracted large-scale farming and livestock businesses, which he said have also drawn armed criminal groups into the area.

According to him, the resulting violence has displaced thousands of residents and severely disrupted farming, the primary source of livelihood for many families.

Thousands displaced

The chairman estimated that between 150,000 and 200,000 people have been displaced in Kachia alone.

He said many of those affected are currently living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, where existing facilities are under significant pressure.

Call for intervention

Maigari appealed to NHYPPADEC to work with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to ensure host communities receive electricity and potable water before the refurbished Gurara Hydroelectric Plant begins full power evacuation to the national grid.

Responding at the meeting, NHYPPADEC Managing Director, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to addressing the environmental and socio-economic challenges facing communities hosting hydroelectric power projects.