FG procures generators to lighten up bridges on federal roads

THE Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, has commenced lightening up of bridges across the country using generators, jettisoning the hitherto solar system.

It said the action was part of the government’s efforts to ensure safety of lives on Nigerian roads.

Already, a pilot phase had been executed on Murtala Mohammed bridge in Lokoja, Kogi State, where two power generating sets with capacities of 60kv and 40kv were deployed with the aim of working alternatively between the hours of 7.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m. on a daily basis.

The lightening ceremony was performed by officials of the ministry, led by the Deputy Director (Electrical and General Services), Mr Saka Odufuwa, according to a statement issued by the senior information officer at the ministry, Olusegun Ogunkayode.

He said the bridge had 44 electric poles  and was a major link connecting the South-West with the northern parts of the country.

The information officer quoted Odufuwa as having said that the major reason for installing the light on the bridge was for safety purpose.

“He stated further that in order to forestall the initial problem of using solar panel, the ministry deem (sic) it fit to power the light with generator. Two power generating sets with capacities of 60kv and 40kv were procured with the aim of working alternatively between the hours of 7.00pm and 6.00am on daily basis,” the information officer quoted the director as having stated.

Ogunkayode went further to say that, “Again, Engr. Odufuwa said that government has arrangements on how the following bridges would be provided with light. The bridges are: Jebba Bridge in Kwara State, Markudi Bridge in Benue State, Katsina Ala Bridge also in Benue State and Numa Bridge in Adamawa State. He added that as soon as those bridges are being installed with lights, the commissioning will immediately take place.”