Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has ordered the supply of new electricity transformers and the repair of faulty ones in communities across Chanchaga Local Government Area to improve electricity supply and residents’ living conditions.
Acting on the directive, the Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area, Mustapha Alheri-Jibrin, presented a new transformer to residents of the Deeper Life area in Barkin Sale community, Minna.
He also donated N1 million to residents around Saftech Hotel in Barkin Sale to enable them to repair their faulty transformer without delay.
Speaking during the presentation, Jibrin said the interventions were aimed at addressing electricity challenges in communities within the local government, following the governor’s directive.
He explained that Bago was concerned about the effects of prolonged power outages on households and businesses, noting that the state government was committed to tackling critical infrastructure gaps at the grassroots.
Jibrin maintained that the interventions were not politically motivated, stressing that the governor had consistently supported communities with electricity infrastructure even before assuming office.
According to him, Bago had provided transformers to various communities since his time as a member of the House of Representatives, adding that his administration was continuing the initiative to improve residents’ welfare.
The chairman recalled that the council had also provided N1.5 million for the repair of a faulty transformer in Ikangbe community about a month ago after residents raised concerns about their electricity supply.
He disclosed that some communities needed between N500,000 and N700,000 to repair their faulty transformers, adding that an assessment of the affected facilities would begin on November 16.
Jibrin said a committee comprising council officials, directors and councillors had been established to identify genuine electricity challenges and ensure that assistance reached communities that needed it.
He further recalled that the council had provided financial assistance to Gbaganu community to address internal electricity connection problems after the electricity distribution company repaired its transformer.
On other development efforts, the chairman disclosed that more than 1,500 women had received N20,000 each to support their petty trading activities, while some young women were provided with sewing machines.
He added that funds had also been released for the renovation of health facilities across several wards, while clinics were receiving monthly financial assistance to cater for patients who could not afford medical expenses.
Jibrin assured residents that the government would continue the interventions in partnership with community leaders and relevant committees.
He also praised the governor for his support and said ward development projects were being monitored to ensure their effective implementation.
Earlier, an elder statesman in Barkin Sale community, Mohammed Kuso, appreciated the governor for the intervention and commended the council chairman for promptly implementing the directive.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Barkin Sale Electricity Committee, Danladi Nasir, assured the council that the N1 million donation would be properly utilised to restore electricity to the Saftech Hotel axis as soon as possible.
(NAN)
