14 May 2013, Katsina – The Federal Government has assured that the 10 megawatts Windmill Power Project in Katsina State will be completed in June to boost power supply in the country.
Minister of State for Power, Hajiya Zainab Kuchi, gave the assurance on Monday when she paid an inspection visit to the project site in Rimi Local Government Area of the state.
She expressed delight over the level of work done at the site, saying that government would ensure that the contractor finished the work within the time frame.
Kuchi said that power supply was one of the top priorities of the present administration because of its role in socioeconomic development of the country.
She commended the state government for supporting the project, particularly for settling the N400 million land compensation of the site.
The minister also urged the local community to safeguard the project in their area for its sustainability.
Earlier, the Project Consultant, Mr Jonathan Okoronkwo, had told the minister that the project had been stalled for some months following the kidnap of one of the consultants in 2012.
He said that vandals had destroyed some facilities, while rodents damaged some cables, but had already been reinstalled.
Okoronkwo said that one of the two 7.5 MV transformers which was defective had also been replaced.
According to him, they have also completed construction of substations for the distribution of the electricity to users.
He explained that the project was easier to maintain and more suitable for Nigerian situation.
Also, in his remarks, Governor Ibrahim Shema urged the Federal Government to hasten completion of the project for the overall socioeconomic development of the state.
Shema, represented by his deputy, Abdullahi Faskari, also urged the government to complete the 135 KVA transmitting station for Daura Zone to boost electricity supply in the area.
He assured that the state government would continue to provide adequate security for the facilities and workers residing in the area.
