The Sokoto State Government said it had started the process of connecting a number of rural households with solar power to deepen energy usage and enhance rural electrification in the state.
Alhaji Bashir Gidado, the Special Adviser to Gov. Aminu Tambuwal on Public Private Partnership (PPP), made the disclosure at a news conference in Sokoto on Sunday, October 29, 2017.
Gidado said the project was a partnership between the state government and Nigeria Energy Support Project (NESP), GIZ of Germany and GoSolar.
He added that a pilot scheme had already started in Kurdula, a rural settlement in Balle town in Gudu Local Government Area of the state.
He explained that “this is an off grid mini solar project and the idea is to provide solar power to rural communities that are not covered by the national grid using solar energy which we have in abundance in Sokoto State.
“Kurdula is a rural settlement in Balle and was chosen as location for the pilot scheme after series of deliberations by partners and local stakeholders.
“So far, GIZ has completed the installation of the distribution network, while the next phase, which is generation network, will be provided by GoSolar.”
The governor’s aide added that the state government had provided land for the project, while payment of compensation as approved by Gov. Tambuwal was being processed.
Gidado said all generation equipment had already arrived the country and expected in Sokoto “any moment from now
“On the whole, the targeted population will be provided with clean energy for domestic use and minor commercial uses at very affordable rates,” he said.
He noted that the project was being coordinated by a State Working Group, with
membership drawn from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies and the office of
Sexretary to State Government.
“We hope to officially unveil the project in the next three months,” Gidado said.
By Muhammad Nasir Bello
