The rehabilitation works of over 20 years moribund Bida Water Works by the National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has reached 90 per cent completion and ready for commissioning.
The N-HYPPADEC Director of Engineering and Technical Services, Dr Itilatyaa Daniel, disclosed this during the confirmatory test of five MVA transformers purchased by the commission at the site in Bida on Thursday.
Represented by his Assistant, Suleiman Ajibola-Adebara, the director said the rehabilitation would solve the perennial problem of portable water supply in Bida town and environs.
According to him, the five MVA transformers will be installed before the commissioning of the project soonest.
The ongoing revitalisation of the Bida Mana Water Works has gained significant momentum, especially with the supply of transformers by N-HYPPADEC to hasten power supply to the upgraded treatment plant.
On his part, the Head of Electrical Division of the commission, Ibrahim Adamu-Haruna, noted that the transformers for the running of the treatment pumps purchased by Niger Government over time, had been test-run and confirmed satisfactory.
Adamu-Haruna said that the 11 KVA line was upgraded to 33 KVA, which was sufficient to run the pumps accordingly.
He said the project, when completed, would be able to treat 5,000 cubic metres of water per hour, thereby alleviating the sufferings of about two million beneficiaries in the area.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the firm handling the project, Shafi’yi Yabagi, explained that the project covered
expansion, reticulation and provision of more booster stations, treatment plant, distribution pipelines and reservoir, among others.