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.
