Akwa Ibom govt set to electrify communities with solar mini-grid
Adebayo Obajemu
As part of its promise to bring electricity to the people in rural areas, the Akwa Ibom State government has indicated intention to electrify no less than 25 communities through solar powered mini-grid.
Dr. John Etim, the state’s Commissioner for Power stated that the development was an initiative of World Bank/REA Nigeria Electrification Program and investment in renewable energy.
Etim said the state was already building solar grid systems.
“We are deploying solar energy for several communities to benefit from the National Solar Programme.
“We tapped into the World Bank/REA Nigeria Electrification Program and investment in renewable energy, and over 25 communities have been marked across the state for solar powered mini-grid.
“Ini Local Government Area is one of the marked areas which the construction of Solar Powered Mini Grid has already begun.
“Work has already started in Ini local government to build a mini grid that will supply solar powered electricity to the communities there.”
He stated that over 2,274 communities in the state have been welded into the national grid, as part of the Power for All project, an initiative of Governor Udom Emmanuel to electrify the whole state.
“We have attained 94percent in the connection of the 2,274 gazetted villages to the national grid and believe me that we have performed remarkably well in this regard.”
