The Kaduna state government on Thursday partnered with Konexa to launch a 21.9kw Solar mini grid in Ruhuni Community in Igabi local government area of the state.
It is the first project of over US$50 million investment in the Kaduna power sector.
Mr. Saad Kamaludeen, Mini-grid manager, Konexa, said the company, which is based in the UK, began with activities in Nigeria, including the mini hybrid solar power.
He said Konexa have a vision of providing universal energy access in some parts of the country.
“Our first pilot is Kaduna state and primarily we are beginning to develop our activities with the up-grid areas. So far since 2019 till date we deployed a few solar home systems in some of the Igabi area”.
According to him, “we present our first mini-grid site to the general public at large, the mini-grid site is 20 kilo wax pix system that serves the community center of about 80 to 100 households.”
He explains that their goals for the mini grid is not just to provide energy access but also to give them energy to stimulate the socio-economic dealings such as the productive activities like the grinders Miller’s and any other enterprise that they have.
While clarifying that the Konexa will not only supply power, it will also help to improve the socio-economic activities of the general area.
“We are also partnering with few Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), hoping that people in the village will be able to see our goals into fruition
Kamaludeen said they are hoping to have a site that can be launched to further develop activities and achieve universal energy access.
He said they are planning to launch eight additional sites and roll out at the end of the year.
Kamaludeen said the Kaduna state government is keen to achieve the project as government has been a very key player by providing space to develop these sites.
While thanking the government for its support, he appreciated Kaduna electric for being supportive.
“We are not just doing grid alone; we have other businesses. We have other components. We also plan to develop 3.3 solar wax plan that Kaduna state government has donated land for – 10 hectares of land in Rigachikun which will be used to provide energy to serve high-demand customers like the industries and factories.”
On her part, Halima Mohammed Electrical engineer with Kaduna power supply company, noted that the solar power will go a long way in helping the community with nighttime security while helping to improve in their businesses.
She said the solar power installed in the community is in partnership with Konexa.
He advised the community members to use it wisely which is a development process for them.
Speaking to some of the community members, Docas Jagaba said the solar power project is one of the best things that have happened to their community.
She said life have not been easy for them without power supply, saying that the solar power will bring about a lot of opportunities to do different businesses and make them feel more comfortable at home.
She thanked the government for the effort, saying “we hope for more facilities to come to the community like schools.
Another community member, Mr. Bawa Gajere of Cikaji community and Secretary to the community leader, said with the solar, they can now watch television and use their refrigerators to preserve various items.
Gajere said they are happy with the gesture which will help them to charge their phones, they can use grinding and milling machines for local rice production.
He expressed appreciation to the Kaduna state government while appealing to the state government to provide them with schools and hospitals as well as good road networks in the area.
