Gov. Darius Ishaku of Taraba has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for ensuring the commencement of work on the 3,050 megawatts Mambilla Hydro Electric Power Plant at Gembu in Taraba.
The governor made the commendation on Monday after a closed door meeting with Buhari in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had on Aug, 30 approved 5.792 billion dollars (about N1.140 trillion) for the construction of the plant 45 years after its conception.
The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, who disclosed this while addressing State House correspondents, said the idea for the project was conceived since 1972.
“Several efforts had been made to bring it to reality but I’m happy to announce that this government approved the contract today to joint ventures of Chinese Civil and Engineering company for the engineering and turn-key contract, including civil and electro-mechanical works for 5.792 billion dollar.’’
The governor thanked the President for approving the immediate commencement of work on the plant.
Cue in audio – Ishaku
“I thank him very much indeed about the award of Mambilla hydro-power project which is one of the biggest hydro-project in Nigeria.
“It has stayed over 30 years on the drawing board until his regime.
“So, that is a very big feat and I thought I should come and thank him and seek his audience. When next I will come with Taraba people to thank him.
“This is a very good project for the country as a whole, 3,050 megawatts, for those of us who know what a megawatt is, it can do a lot in developing Nigeria,’’ he added.
Cue out audio – Ishaku
On the proposed Taraba Anti-Grazing Law, the governor revealed that the law would come into effect by January 2018.
He, however, disclosed that the state government had set up two committees to sensitize farmers and herdsmen on the benefits of the anti-grazing bill.
Ishaku described the bill as advantageous to both the farmers and herdsmen; socially and economically.
“Our own anti-grazing law will come into effect next year January.
“Two panels were set up to sensitize the farmers and the herdsmen so that they both understand the benefits of the anti- grazing bill.
“I still believe for the herdsmen, socially and economically, that is the best thing that will ever happen to them if we can consolidate on that.
“The awareness is improving each day and people are beginning to know that these laws are done in good faith and are done to secure lives and property of the people,’’ he said.
The governor expressed the hope that the bill would be implemented without hindrance.
Ishaku called on the Federal Government to review its decision on the withdrawal of military officers from Taraba so as to enhance security situation in the state.(NAN)