- The Issue: Communities affected by the Zungeru Dam haven’t received promised compensation.
- Who’s Affected: Over 90% of the affected communities are in Shiroro local council.
- The Demand: Immediate compensation based on a 2013 assessment report.
- The Threat: Legal action if demands aren’t met within 14 days.
Dam Disaster: Niger Communities Left High and Dry?
The Shabazhe Youth Movement for Shiroro Riverine Areas is raising hell over the government’s failure to fully compensate communities impacted by the 700 MW Zungeru Hydro Electric Dam. These folks sacrificed their homes, and what did they get in return? Empty promises!
Shiroro’s Sacrifice: Ancestral Homes Underwater, Wallets Empty
Zubairu Umar Jiko, Chairman of the movement, didn’t mince words at a recent press conference in Minna. He pointed out that over 90% of the affected communities are in Shiroro local council. Imagine losing your ancestral home for a project that’s supposed to benefit everyone, but you see none of the benefits. That’s the reality for these communities.
Affected communities include Washa Lawo, Zauna Lawo, Maje Lawo, and Jadindi Fulani Lawo, among others. These aren’t just names on a map; they’re homes, livelihoods, and histories that have been submerged, literally and figuratively.
Broken Promises: A Decade of Waiting for Compensation
An assessment of crops and economic trees was done way back in 2013, but the compensation remains incomplete after over a decade. Can you believe that? It’s like the government forgot they even existed! They even had a court ruling in their favor on June 16th, 2016, but the government still hasn’t coughed up the full amount. Talk about adding insult to injury!
Enough is Enough: The 14-Day Ultimatum
The youth movement is drawing a line in the sand. They want immediate compensation based on the 2013 assessment. Plus, they want the government to figure out how to compensate the 71 newly affected communities and the 35 new settlement sites. Zubairu Jiko has vowed that if their demands aren’t met within 14 days, they’ll be heading to court for contempt. These people aren’t playing around!
More Communities Suffer: A Ripple Effect of Neglect
It’s not just the originally affected communities that are feeling the pain. Other communities have also been negatively impacted. This dam project is turning into a nightmare for everyone involved. The government needs to step up and address these grievances before things get even uglier.
The big question now is: Will the government listen? Or will these communities be forced to fight for what they deserve in the courts? Stay tuned, because this story is far from over!
Did You Know?
Hydroelectric dams, while providing renewable energy, often have significant environmental and social impacts. These can include displacement of communities, alteration of river ecosystems, and changes in water quality. Sustainable dam construction requires careful planning and fair compensation for affected populations.
