The Katsina State Government has made massive investments in power infrastructure to address the age-old challenges of electricity supply in the state.
Speaking during the 5th edition of the press briefing on the achievements of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda in the power and energy sector, Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe maintained that 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,” stated Jobe.
The Deputy Governor revealed that the administration has expended the sum of N7,678,871,106.71 “for various power supply-related projects across the State,” with particular focus on renewable energy solutions.
Among the key projects highlighted is the “provision of 74 kilometres of solar street lighting in Katsina metropolis” and the “provision of 11 kilometres of solar street lights from Al-Qalam University Roundabout to Darma Rice Mill, Katsina”.
“In an effort to provide a sustainable power solution to critical facilities of government, viable mini-grid solar-powered projects are ongoing at General Hospital Katsina, Government House and State Secretariat Complex at the cost of N3,845,066,646.37,” Malam Jobe disclosed.
The Deputy Governor further detailed several power intervention projects implemented across various local government areas, including the “change of power supply from ‘Yan Albasa, Eka, Kadandani to Kuraye covering 17km in order to restore electricity supply in Charanchi Local Government.”
He also mentioned the “repairs of vandalised electrification projects from Iyatawa, Cikakoshi, Mahuta and Remawa covering an eight-kilometre high-tension line to restore electricity supply at Iyatawa ward in Rimi Local Government Area.”
Other significant projects, according to Malam Jobe, include the “protection and aesthetics of the security lighting system through the construction of Japarana Concrete Technology in the median strips of Ring Road Phase 1A and B in Katsina metropolis” and the “replacement of the 33KV breakers and accessories to restore power supply at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina.”
The Deputy Governor announced that there is “ongoing installation and improvement of power supply Phase 1 at Kwadon Madina behind New Stadium, Katsina, Makera, Sabuwar Abuja in Funtua and Unguwar Alkali in Dutsin-Ma” as well as “improvement of power supply Phase 2 at GRA Mosque, Katsina, Marmara in Kafur, Yantumaki town, Kafin Rabo in Batagarawa, and Dudunni in Kusada Local Government.”
He noted that the government has initiated the “award of contract for digital mapping of power lines and GPS locations of all line materials/transformers procured by the state government” and the “provision of transformers, line extension, and upgrade of infrastructure in some selected communities across the state”.
The Deputy Governor, however, declared that the the Governor Radda-led administration remains committed to expanding electricity access in rural areas to stimulate economic activities and improve the living standard of our people.
