Katsina government is recycling and pushing publicity of a same solar project it already pushed and has not generated electricity since 2012
July 21, 2014
NewsRescue
by Deen Dabai
Arrangements have been concluded for the establishment of a 24 megawatt solar power plant in Katsina State through Public Private Partnership (PPP).
The state Deputy Governor, Abdullahi Faskari, who affirmed this when he received Mr. H. Marcus, the Managing Director of Pan Africa Solar Power Company, who paid him a courtesy visit in Katsina, promised the necessary support and assistance of the Governor Ibrahim Shema-led administration to the success of the initiative.
According to him, the state government had secured the Federal Government’s approval for the establishment of the plant and also provided 500 hectares for the project in Kankia, Kankia Local Government Area of the state.
The deputy lauded the decision of the company to establish the solar power plant in the state, saying it would fast track the overall development of the state in view of the role of electricity in the economic development of any society.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Resource Development, Muss Nashuni, revealed that the state government had secured clearance of the relevant ministry to connect the solar plant to the national electricity grid on completion.
The Managing Director of Pan-African Solar Power Company, Marcus, stressed the determination of his team to complete the project before the expiration of the tenure of the present administration.
He stated that they were in the Government House to brief the government on the level of preparation for the 24 MW solar project.
Meanwhile, the state deputy governor has re-assured of the determination of the Governor Shema-led administration to execute more projects that would enhance the socio-economic well-being of the people.
He spoke when he led other members of the state tenders’ board on an inspection tour of some ongoing projects in the state.
The deputy governor, who expressed satisfaction with the level and quality of the roads, housing, international market and ICT institute among others during the inspection, said it was part of the schedule of the board to ensure that all projects were completed according to terms of agreement.
But see the same project since 2012!
Katsina Flags off 30 Mega Watts of Solar Energy Plant
17 Nov 2012, Thisday
Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema
By Ibrahim Shuaibu
Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Shema, has flagged-off the thirty mega watts of energy solar powered plant for the benefit of the people of the State.
Speaking at the flag-off on Friday, Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema urged the firm handling the project to ensure that it is completed within eight months from now, stating that the power plant project is being undertaken by the Nigeria-German Energy Commission under a partnership arrangement to boost energy supply.
The Governor assured of necessary support and cooperation to ensure timely completion of the project, adding that the partnership between Nigeria and Germany would help in tapping the hydro, gas and wind to source energy for societal development.
Shema pointed out that the German efficacy in energy is not doubtful and is intended to serve the needs of industrial and commercial purposes.
The Governor lamented that the shortage in power supply started for long, adding that the Federal Government is however working hard to tap all the energy sources in the country to address the matter.
He said the 30 mega watt electricity project on completion would encourage the development of industries, technology and the creation of jobs among the citizens, while expressed appreciation over the partnership and harmony especially on solar powered development.
In his remark, the commissioner for Resource Development, Engineer Musa Nashuni said the current administration of Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema had since its inception been trying to develop alternative source of energy.
Engineer Musa Nashuni disclosed that as a demonstration of its commitment to the 30mega watt electricity project, Government had already issued the certificate of occupancy of the project site.
The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs. Dorothy assured of her country’s readiness to promote renewable energy through the use of wind and water.