Plateau Community Gains Electricity After Two Decades

Following the launch of a 50-kilowatt solar mini-grid initiative, inhabitants of the Namu Community within the Quan’Pan Local Government Are...

Following the launch of a 50-kilowatt solar mini-grid initiative, inhabitants of the Namu Community within the Quan’Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State experienced a significant improvement in their power supply on Thursday, after over two decades without electricity.

The initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Plateau State Energy Corporation, and Cloud Energy, seeks to deliver consistent electricity to rural areas throughout the state.

During the inauguration, Governor Caleb Mutfwang stated that the initiative signifies a new era in the progress of Namu and other remote areas that had previously lacked electricity.

He reasserted his government's dedication to enhancing the lives of people living in rural areas by focusing on three main sectors — access to electricity, development of roads, and provision of water.

The governor stated, "Today, Quan’Pan, which once remained in darkness, has now witnessed the light. As His Royal Highness mentioned, I arrived in Quan’Pan during the early hours of the evening, and night overtook us while we were engaged in our campaign. The crowd I observed deeply distressed me, as we lacked reliable electricity in such a lively community. Since taking office, we have been striving to overcome the cycle of underdevelopment in this region."

I have told myself and my team that there are three actions we need to take for the Quan’Pan people. The first is what we are beginning today — providing electricity. The second, with God's help, is building road infrastructure, and as we arrived, we asked you to be patient with us.

The leader revealed that approximately six kilometers of the Jibam Road are close to being finished. He pledged to the local community that additional kilometers of the road will be completed prior to the upcoming rainy season.

Mutfwang additionally pledged that his government would soon tackle the water issues in the region, highlighting that each community is entitled to clean water.

Referring to the event as a major achievement, the governor stated that the launch of the solar project marks "the start of a journey of transformation" for Quan’Pan and Plateau State as a whole.

In his comments, the Chairman of Quan’Pan Local Government Area, Hon. Christopher Audu Manchip, expressed gratitude to the governor for what he referred to as a "unique project" in the region. He mentioned that this effort has revived development at the local level and helped the community move from "poverty to advancement."

"From the people of Quan'Pan, we would like to express our gratitude to the governor for this remarkable initiative in the Namu community. This is the first of its kind focused on advancing our community. Thank you for leading us from poverty to prosperity. Development has returned to the local level, and we are deeply appreciative," the chairman stated.

Additionally, the Director-General of the Plateau State ICT Development Agency and a local resident, Mr. Dating Dominic, stated that the project is highly important for Namu — a community with approximately 10,000 people who previously had no reliable power supply.

He observed that the region is home to active economic hubs, such as a rice processing plant and a local marketplace, which will now enjoy a reliable electricity supply. Dominic mentioned that the solar mini-grid contributes to the worldwide move towards renewable energy and enhances the economic foundation of Quan’Pan and Namu specifically.

He praised Governor Mutfwang for choosing Namu as one of the host communities, calling it a smart and well-timed choice considering the town's significance to the local and state economy.

Community leaders and locals, such as Ambassador Yahaya Kwande, shared enthusiasm about the progress, highlighting that the solar mini-grid will enhance local enterprises and elevate living standards.

A reporter states that the Namu solar initiative is included in Nigeria's larger plan to increase access to electricity in rural areas and support renewable energy as an eco-friendly option compared to traditional fuels.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).