Kashimbilla Dam: National Assembly Member Calls For Electrification of Host Communities
By Lynn Adda
The House of Representatives has passed a resolution mandating the Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrication Agency, REA to make budgetary provision in the 2025 appropriation for the electrification all host communities of the Kashimbilla multi purpose Dam.
Rt Hon Mark Useni Bako
This followed a motion to that effect on Tuesday by the Member representing Takum/ Donga/ Ussa Federal Constituency, Rt Hon Mark Useni Bako.
He said there was an urgent need to electrify the host communities to give them a sense of belonging and ownership of the hydro Dam.
“This motion is on a bill to electrify all host communities of the Kashimbilla Multi-purpose Dam and environs.
“The House notes that the Federal Government has completed the electricity components of the Kashimbilla Multi-purpose Dam in Taraba State.
“Also note that the 40 megawatts hydro dam commenced evacuation of energy into the national grid since the year 2019.
“Concerned that despite feeding the national grid with electricity, the host communities of the Kashimbilla Multi-purpose Dam remain in darkness as they are yet to be connected to the grid.
” Aware that the host communities include Bibi, Bawuru, Birama, Malumshe, Kashimbilla, Bete, Lufu, Lufu Joro, Bariki Lisa, Shibon all in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
“Also aware that the host communities need to be connected to electricity to give them a sense of belonging and ownership of the national assets and thereby guarantee its protection.
“The House therefore mandates the Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency to make adequate budgetary provision in the 2025 Appropriation to ensure adequate provision of electricity to the host communities.
“2. Mandate the Committee on Power and Rural Electrification Agency to ensure compliance “.
After the unanimous adoption of the motion by the House, it was referred to the Committee on Power for further Legislative action.
In the meantime, a bill to amend the National Park Service Act sponsored by the Member Representing Takum/ Donga/ Ussa Federal constituency, Rt Hon Mark Useni Bako passed first reading at the House on Tuesday.
Rt Hon Mark Useni Bako
The Bill which was listed as item 10 under Presentation of Bills on the House of Representatives Order paper, aims at granting Taraba state a maximum benefit and utilization of the Gashaka-Gumti National Park.
