EU, Ogun govt partner on rural electrification
The European Union (EU) and the government of Ogun State have agreed to partner on provision of electricity supply to communities across the state.
The state deputy governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, who also oversees the Ministry of Rural Development, while receiving the European Union delegation, said the partnership would advance the state in power generation through renewable energy sources.
She said the development would check rural-urban drift, adding that the state government has commenced installation of electrical facilities in Gbamu Gbamu, the pilot community in Ijebu-East Local Government Area.
Onanuga said though GIZ, a German agency was already committed to the project, the support of the European Union would aid timely delivery.
The deputy governor assured that electricity challenges confronting most communities in the state will soon become a thing of the past, adding that solar equipment and materials to be provided at the pilot phase include; 45 kilowatt PVL solar hybrid and 60 kilowatt diesel generator for back up, 6.6 kilometre low voltage line with 150 electricity poles and pre-paid meters among others.
The Head of unit on Sustainable Energy and Climate Change of the European Union, Mr. Felix Zacheo, said the visit was to assess the level of development in the pilot community and to determine other sectors of the economy requiring intervention. The Baale of Gbamu Gbamu Community, Chief Adekunle Fayomi, appreciated the state government for choosing the community for the pilot scheme, saying the commencement of the project has erased doubts and renewed their confidence in government’s commitment to the welfare of rural dwellers.