By: John Bassey.
Kebbi State Government has commenced the installation of solar-powered street lights in the ancient city of Arugungu.
The Hon. Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hayatu Bawa Jega disclosed this while fielding questions from Journalists in Arugungu, Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
He explained that the project, if completed, would beautify the city, saying, “This is part of the present administration’s ongoing urban renewal hope of His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris.
“We are here on a monitoring assessment of the work as the governor gave approval to convert the existing electric street lights into solar, as an antidote to power outages.”
He explained further that installing solar street lights in the state capital, Birnin Kebbi, was a success story.
“We are now in Argungu in continuation of the present administration’s urban renewal programme. 282 poles are being calibrated to suit solar-powered street lights.
“The existing poles are stronger in structure which are being redesigned into solar-based for longevity.
“After Argungu, the government will spread the modernisation programme to other urban centres across Kebbi State,” he noted.
While on an inspection tour of the project, the commissioner was in the company of the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi.
In his remarks, the Hon. Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, said the cardinal objective of urban renewal of the present administration under the able leadership of Gov. Nasir Idris, was to give cities a proper facelift.
He said the solar street lights being installed in Argungu would no doubt beautify the ancient town with illumination, promote social interaction and economic activities, as well as enhance the security of the area.
The government appreciates the scenery and support of the people of Argungu. However, let me advise the people to protect the project from vandalism,” he pleaded.
The inspection team visited the temporary workshop for calibration and conversion of the electric poles into solar-powered ones, where both commissioners expressed satisfaction over the standard and quality of work.
