The Sokoto State Government says it is connecting a number of rural households with solar power to deepen energy usage and enhance rural electrification in the state.
Already, a pilot scheme has started in Kurdula, a rural settlement of Balle town in Gudu Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking to reporters in Sokoto on the project, the Special Adviser to Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on Public Private Partnership, Bashir Gidado, said the project was a four-party partnership between the state government, the Nigeria Energy Support Project, GTZ of Germany and GoSolar.
Gidado said, “This is an off-grid mini solar project. The idea is to provide solar power to rural communities, which are not covered by the national grid, using solar energy, which we have in abundance in Sokoto.
“Kurdula is a rural settlement in Balle. It was chosen to serve as the location for the pilot scheme after series of deliberations between all the partners and local stakeholders.
“So far, GTZ has already completed the installation of the distribution network. The next phase, which is the generation network, will be provided by GoSolar. The state government has provided land for the project, while payment of compensation as approved by Governor Tambuwal, is being processed, as we speak.
“All generation equipment has already arrived in the country and expected in Sokoto, any moment. Overall, the targeted population will be provided with clean energy for domestic use and minor commercial uses at very affordable rates.”
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He added that the project was being coordinated by a State Working Group, which has its membership drawn from relevant MDAs and the office of the SSG under the the supervision of Engineer Yusuf Ganda.
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“We hope to officially unveil the project within the next three months,” Gidado added.
