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Olabode Adaramola
The Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project in Niger State estimated at $1.2 billion and expected to add 700 Mega Watts of electricity to the national grid will be inaugurated in the first quarter of next year.
The Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu made the disclosure during an inspection visit to the Power Plant on Thursday in Zungeru,Wushishi Local Government Area of the State.
The Minister who was accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane to the Power Plant explained that the project is at the 98percent completion stage.
Engr. Aliyu who went around the major operating units of the Power project noted that work on the three of the turbines each producing 175 Mega Watts of electricity has been completed and tested.
He expressed satisfaction with the level of commitment exhibited by the Contractors, while assuring that the completion of the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project would add 700 Mega Watts to the national grid.
The Minister, stated further that the Zungeru Power Project was part of the Federal Government’s strategies to reposition power generation in phases in the country.
The Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane who accompanied the Minister to Zungeru said that the State Government has demonstrated a high level of commitment to the implementation of the project.
The SSG said that the Zungeru Power Project is a multi-purpose electricity project that has abundant agricultural potential for the host communities to harness.
The Project Manager, Mr. Abiy Getahun who took the Minister and his entourage around the facilities of the Project assured that work would be completed on schedule.
The Project Manager noted that the initial challenges of COVID-19 and insecurity, that hindered the smooth running of the project have been addressed.
The Minister also inspected the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Switch Yard at Gusase a distance of about 30 kilometers away from the Plant.
According to the Minister, “The Zungeru Dam is the first Dam in the country constructed using the Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) innovative Dam design technology with the main benefit being a reduction in the overall construction period and embankment footprint when compared to a typical gravity Dam”.
Photo;
From left–Hon. Minister of Power, Engineer Abubakar Aliyu, in a warm handshake with the Secretary to the Niger State Government ( SSG) Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim( on the right) while the Minister welcomed the Niger State Official to the premises of the Zungeru Hydro Power plant on Thursday in Niger State
