From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
Epileptic power supply will soon become history in Kano as the state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for the construction of additional 133KVA transmission line in the state.
Ganduje said the venture was inspired by his desire to further strengthen the state economy with the needed industrial expansion and improved small scale businesses.
According to a statement by Ganduje Chief Press Secretary, Abba Anwar, the deal was sealed at Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.
The statement quoted Ganduje as saying that,, “providing electricity to Kano is a task that must be done. We are ready to accept all the requirements attached to this MoU. And you will see action immediately. Ours is to bring back the lost glory of the state, when industries were reigning.
“With the new MoU Kano would be getting electricity from 3 to 4 directions. As a government, we have been doing our best to see that electricity problem becomes a thing of the past. Our effort in using our Dams to get more electricity has been a welcome development.”
He added that, “the Hydro Electricity project the state embarks on, of which it is at completion stage, was of small scale due to the fact that the Dams are also use for Irrigation farming. So we cannot dedicate the Dams for the Hydro project only.
“That is why I am saying what Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is bringing is a good omen for the development of the state. Our industries will fully bounce back. When Solar project was tested we found some lapses in it also.”
Ganduje promised that, he would raise powerful Committee that would be involved in facilitating the Right of Way, for the final touch of the gigantic project, “I will also put heads together with my other two colleagues, the governors of Jigawa and Katsina states, to see that, this good omen succeed.”
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of TCN, U. G. Mohammed, who led a powerful team to Ganduje, assured that with the new MoU and its implementation in place, the problem of electricity would substantially be reduced, if not cleared away.
“If we solve the problem of transmission then the problem of distribution is very simple and in fact, distribution of electricity is the weakest part in the chain,” he added.
Mohammed disclosed that Kumbotso, Dan Agundi and Dakata Transmission centres were all increased in their capacity to 100 percent, assuring that, “when the new Transmission is completed, Kano could be the state with the best electricity supply in the country. Which will also bring back the glory of the state industrial sector and other businesses.”
The Statement further stated that, “the Memorandum of Understanding is between Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states and the TCN for the construction of 132KV Transmission Line through Daura-Kazaure-Dambatta-Babura and 2x60MVA, 132/33KV Substation at Kazaure and Babura and 2x60MVA 132/33KV Substation at Mashi, with Turnin and Turnout Katsina-Daura 132KV Transmission Line at Mashi, as Transmission project.
“According to the provision of the MoU, each and every state included, that is, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states, would satisfy all Rights of Way acquisition requirements and payment of compensation for lands in respect of the Transmission Line between Daura-Kazaure-Dambatta and Babura.
“It also provides that, Acquisition/provisions of lands measuring 300x300sq for the construction of the Substations at Kazaure, Babura and Mashi, so also issuance to TCN of the Title Document.
“Another aspect of the provision of the MoU is to provide assistance in managing community relations throughout the duration of the project.”
