KWSG procures N1bn solar energy equipment for light up Kwara project

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Having secured N2.3 billion investment for Light-Up Kwara Project – a solar energy street lights project that is executed by Abdulfattah Ahmed-led government – from private sector partners, Kwara state government has spent N1 billion on procurement of solar energy tunnel and other equipment under second phase of the project.

The Kwara state government procured the additional equipment to complement the first phase for which over N1.2 billion worth of streetlights already installed and still ongoing, just as the government declared that the solar energy tunnel and other equipment procured, are due for installation this month.

Speaking on the project, Idris Garba, Commissioner for Energy, who spoke in Ilorin, the state capital at the weekend, noted that installation of streetlights along Kulende Estate Junction – Maraba, stretching through FCMB Muritala road had already been completed, while that of Surulere to Oja-Oba route was ongoing.
He listed other routes to be covered under the second phase to include General Roundabout – Oja-Oba, Offa Garage – Unity roundabout, Michael Imodu – Offa Garage, Geri Alimi – CAILS and other roundabouts within the Metropolis.

Similarly, Emir’s road – Post Office, Balogun Fulani – Gambari, Yebmot roundabout – Adeta roundabout and Abdulkadir road, Ilorin are also parts of the project.

Street lighting according to Garba, will boosts economic and social activities at night, just as he pointed out that well-lit streets make people feel safe and reduce risk of accidents on roads at night.

The Commissioner therefore appealed to the people to take full ownership of the project and protect the streetlights from vandals, adding that the project would be extended to other communities in the state.
Shedding more light on the development, the Kwara State Public Private Partnership Bureau (KP3), said that LUK is being implemented through a PPP arrangement and is one of several being implemented under the state infrastructure development fund, IFK.
He added that the project was due for completion early 2018 based on timeline already circulated and within agreed project cost.

SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin