Shiroro Communities Call for Compensation Over Zungeru Dam Construction.
By Yahaya Zakka Minna.
In a recent press briefing in Minna, the Shabazhe Youth Movement urged the Federal Government to provide compensation to the communities affected by the construction of the 700 MW Zungeru Hydro-Electric Power Dam in Niger State.
Chairman Zubairu Umaru Jiko highlighted that over 90% of the impacted communities belong to the Shiroro Local Government Area.
“The people of Shiroro, who sacrificed their ancestral homes for the dam’s construction, have been persistently advocating for their rights as host communities,” Jiko stated. Affected communities include Washa Lawo, Zauna Lawo, Maje Lawo, and Jadindi Lawo.
Jiko elaborated that an assessment of crops and economic trees was conducted in 2013; however, compensation payments remain incomplete a decade later. “Our people have experienced homelessness, joblessness, and loss of land due to the dam’s construction,” he reiterated.
Despite a court ruling on June 16, 2016, Jiko accused the Federal Government of neglecting its promises and reiterated the movement’s demand for immediate compensation based on the 2013 assessment report.
Additionally, the movement called for urgent action regarding 71 newly affected communities and compensation for the 35 New Resettlement sites.
Jiko listed numerous other communities that have also been impacted, urging the Federal Government to address these grievances urgently.
He warned that if their demands were not met within 14 days, the movement would initiate legal proceedings against the government for contempt of court.
“We are committed to a peaceful resolution of this issue, but we will not hesitate to take legal action to safeguard our people’s rights,” Jiko concluded.
