News Investigators/ The North South Power Company Ltd. (NSPCL), operators of Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Plant (SHPP), says it plans to commence controlled water release from Shiroro Dam in the last week of September.
The company made this known in a public safety notice signed by Alhaji Suleiman Abubakar, General Manager, Plant Services, on behalf of Mr Ugochukwu Chioke, Chief Operating Officer, NSPCL, in Minna on Thursday.
It said the operation would be subject to prevailing operational and hydrological conditions and was part of measures to ensure safe management of the hydropower facility during the rainy season.
NSPCL explained that the controlled release could increase water discharge downstream and cause a corresponding rise in water levels along affected sections of the river channel.
It therefore advised residents of riverine communities, farmers, fishermen, boat operators and others undertaking activities around the Kaduna River Basin to remain vigilant and exercise caution throughout the rainy season.
The company urged members of the public to keep away from restricted areas around the dam, as well as upstream and downstream waterways, during the operation.
It also advised residents to avoid swimming, fishing, boating and other activities in areas where water levels or flow could be affected by the release.
It further urged residents to keep children, livestock and movable property away from areas vulnerable to rising water levels and to pay attention to safety information issued by the company and relevant government authorities.
NSPCL said it had commenced a five-step safety process, including the distribution of Early Warning Letters to stakeholders such as Emirs, district heads, ward heads and relevant agencies.
According to the company, the measures also include flood sensitisation and awareness workshops for stakeholders, as well as television and radio announcements and jingles in English, Gbagyi, Nupe and Hausa.
It said its siren system, which has a range of 25 kilometres, would be sounded for one hour to alert upstream and downstream communities before water was released.
The company added that the release would be carried out gradually, with due consideration for people living downstream.
NSPCL urged community leaders to disseminate the safety information to residents, especially farmers cultivating within the Kaduna River flood plain.
It also warned that access to its premises, restricted areas and designated operational zones would be strictly controlled during the operation.
“Unauthorised persons would not be permitted to enter or undertake photography, video recording or other documentation within such areas without prior approval”.
The company said it was working with relevant government institutions, regulatory and security agencies, host communities and other stakeholders to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of the operation and minimise risks to lives, property and the environment.
NSPCL said the planned release became necessary following improved inflows into the River Kaduna catchment and Shiroro Reservoir, coupled with the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
This, it added, indicates that high inflows could persist during the rainy season.
It said if the reservoir level continued to rise, controlled water release could become necessary to enhance the safety of riparian communities and the dam structure.
The company urged members of the public not to rely on or circulate unverified information about the operation, but to report emergencies or unusual occurrences promptly to the appropriate authorities.
It provided its Public Relations Unit contact numbers as 08058990048 and 07088838008.
NAN
