The Sokoto Independent Power Project requires additional N1.6 billion to be
completed and put to full use, chairman of the state technical committee on
the project, and former Minister of Power, Engineer Bello Sulaiman, has
said.
Speaking when he presented the report of his committee to Governor Aminu
Waziri Tambuwal in Sokoto, Sulaiman said so far, the sum of N3.2 billion
has been expended by the government on the project.
“We believe that if this recommendation is diligently implemented, the 38mw
project should come on stream fully in the next four months. Our report has
provided detailed ways in which the project can be completed,” he said.
On the problem of fuelling the engines for the project, the committee
advised the state government to change the present specification of
diesel-powered engines to LPG or liquefied natural gas.
“We believe that diesel is not the long term option if we are to get the
full benefit of the project. We all know the problems associated with
diesel supply in the country, so we have recommended to that LPG or
liquefied natural gas should be used to power the engines,” the former
Minister added.
He said the 38mw project is viable and of great importance to the
development of the state.
In his remarks, Tambuwal commended the members of the committee for the
excellent job done, and assured that the report would be studied and
implemented.
He said the state Executive Council will intervene to ensure adequate
funding for the balance of payment required to complete the project.