The Sokoto State Government has approved a N5.5bn contract to rehabilitate a 33kV electricity line and restore power supply to four local government areas that have suffered a decade-long blackout.
The affected areas are Binji, Tangaza, Gudu and Silame.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Bashir Muhammad Achida, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of Wednesday’s State Executive Council meeting.
Achida said the contract was awarded as part of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s intervention to address the prolonged electricity outage in the communities.
According to him, the project is expected to improve electricity supply, stimulate economic activities and enhance the living conditions of residents.
He said the governor was concerned about the hardship caused by the prolonged blackout and approved the project to address the situation.
The commissioner also disclosed that the state government had awarded a N988.9m contract for the rehabilitation of Government Technical College, Binji.
He said the institution, which was previously known for its vocational training programmes, had suffered years of neglect, resulting in the deterioration of its facilities and affecting teaching and learning.
Achida said the rehabilitation was intended to restore the college’s capacity to provide vocational skills and technical education.
He added that strengthening vocational training would help create employment opportunities, reduce unemployment and promote economic development in the state.