The Katsina State Government has begun installing solar power-generating equipment in all its hospitals, schools, and government offices to address the problem of power outages.
The Deputy Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, disclosed this at the monthly news briefing aimed at informing the public about the activities and achievements of the state government over time.
Jobe said the project is necessary to expand access to reliable electricity, particularly through solar-powered solutions targeted at critical public facilities such as hospitals, schools, and government offices.
“The inadequate supply of power has long been a major challenge affecting economic growth and development in the state.
“Recognising this, the government has taken strategic measures to enhance electricity supply through the provision of additional infrastructure and renewable energy initiatives,” he stated.
“In an effort to provide sustainable power solutions to critical government facilities, viable mini-grid solar-powered projects are ongoing at the General Hospital Katsina, Government House, and the State Secretariat Complex at a cost of ₦3,845,066,646.37.”
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The Deputy Governor also said the government has embarked on the installation of solar-powered electricity across the Katsina metropolis.
“Several power projects were also carried out in communities across the state, including the supply and installation of transformers, cables, repair of equipment, and routine maintenance.
“To this end, the sum of N7,678,871,106.71 was expended on various power supply-related projects across the state,” Jobe added.
Tribune Correspondent in Katsina reported that the incessant power failure in the state, which disrupts socio-economic activities, has prompted the government to unveil plans last year to revamp the 10MW wind project in Lambar Rimi after nearly two decades of dormancy.
The State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, had met with the Vergnet Groupe — the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) — in Paris, France, regarding the project.
He said the state government is committed to working closely with Vergnet Groupe to rehabilitate the vital asset, which is said to be the first windmill in Nigeria, in order to restore its capacity to support the state’s growing energy needs.
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