Solar power pilot scheme commences in Sokoto village

As part of moves to connect rural communities in Sokoto with solar power, a pilot scheme has commenced at Kurdula village in Gudu local government area of the state.

“This is an off-grid mini solar project. The idea is to provide solar power to rural communities who are not covered by the national grid using solar energy which we have in abundance in Sokoto,” Special Adviser to Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on Public Private Partnership (PPP), Bashir Gidado said yesterday in Sokoto.

He said the project being jointly executed by the state government, the Nigeria Energy Support Project (NESP), GIZ of Germany and GoSolar, would be officially unveiled within the next three months.

Gidado said the move was to enhance electrification in state.

The Special Adviser disclosed that GIZ had already completed the installation of the distribution network.

“The next phase, which is the generation network, will be provided by GoSolar,” he added.

The state government had provided land for the project while payment of compensation was being processed.

Kurdula, a rural settlement in Balle, was selected to serve as the location for the pilot scheme after series of deliberations among stakeholders.

He said all generation equipment that arrived the country were being expected in Sokoto.

“Overall, the targeted population will be provided with clean energy for domestic use and minor commercial uses at very affordable rates,” he stated. rural the