The federal ministry of Power has lamented that encroachment on land along power lines is the main reason delaying the plan to increase the power supply to Kano by 2000 megawatts.
Minister of Power, Engr Abubakar D Aliyu, stated this while accompanied by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje on inspection of the Dan Agundi power transmission substation.
During the inspection, Ganduje promised to assist in relocating the people that are occupying the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) right of way so as to allow the reconductoring of Kumbotso—Dan Agundi power line that is over 54–years old.
The Minister said all ongoing power projects will be completed and put to use by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to ensure stable electricity supply across Nigeria, through continuous enhancement of the wheeling capacity of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and more investment in renewable energy through Rural Electrification Agency (REA)
The minister while in Kano also inspected visit the Kumbotso Transmission Substation, Rimin Zakara Transmission Substation and the 1 megawatt Peak Interconnected Solar Mini Grid Zawachiki.
According to the minister the three projects aimed at improving electricity supply in Kano, Katsina and environs.
At the 330/132/33 KV Rimin Zakara transmission substation, Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu noted that work has been completed. He also said efforts are being made in collaboration with Kano state government to resolve right of way issues that have been delaying the project.
“This is a project started by President Muhammadu Buhari and has been completed. Unfortunately, encroachment on lands across the power lines of the transmission station have been causing delay to the project which is crucial to improving electricity to Kano and Katsina. With the support of Kano state government we are working towards resolving these challenges,” the minister said.
At the Zawachiki 1 megwatt interconnected solar mini grid, the minister commended the Rural Elecrification Agency (REA) for delivering on the project which is crucial to governments commitment to energy from renewable sources. The Managing Director of REA Engr. Ahmed Salihijo who conducted the minister around the projected said that project is delivered on time and will energize rural community.
