The North South Power Company Limited (NSPCL) has cautioned communities living around the dam on climatic predictions surrounding the Kaduna River basin which the company depends on for its operations.
Mr Ugochukwu Chioke, Chief Operating Officer of NSPCL, gave the warning in Shiroro on Wednesday during the 2019 Annual Stakeholders Sensitation Meeting.
Chioke said that the forum was held to sensitise communities on downstream and upstream of the dam on possible flood, its impact and mitigation.
He said that the power station placed high importance on safety of lives and property, hence the need for early sensitisation and awareness.
“The forum brings experts in the field of Hydrology, Meteorology, Reservoir and Environmental management to broaden our views in flood management and mitigation by both individuals and corporate bodies,” he said.
Chioke noted that the power station was primarily built for power generation not minding the natural and environmental challenges involved, adding that the station was also central to the development of the country’s economy.
In his remarks, Mr Peters Olubumi, Executive Vice Chairman of NSPCL, said that the power station was built to generate power and manage it responsibly.
Olubumi, who was represented by Malam Abdulaziz Daudu, Executive Operating Officer of NSPCL, advised stakeholders and members of the communities to take the flood warnings with all seriousness to reduce its impact on lives and property.
In his address, Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger said that the forum would avail stakeholders the opportunity to brainstorm on issues of natural disaster and how to mitigate its effects.
Bello, who was represented by Amb Haruna Manta, advised the management of the power station to allow members of the communities in the area to harness natural resources around the dam.
Similarly, Mr Bola Akanbi, Asistant General Manager Hydrology and Dam Maintenance of NSPCL, who spoke on ‘Flood OutLook for 2019’, explained that this year’s rainfall would be significant between July and October.
He said that between September and October, there would be peak of rainfall and inflow of flood in high magnitudes, adding that the power station might likely release some quantity of water.
The stakeholders from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, National Orientation Agency, Niger State Environmental Protection Agency, National Emergency Management Agency and members of communities around downstream and upstream of the power station were in attendance.
