REA’s mini –grids boosts FCT communities with clean energy

The Communities of Robochi and Ikwa in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday said the 24 hours power supply from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) 1MW mini -grid has lifted their economy.

Speaking at the commissioning of the project, the Father of the Day, Sa’ Robochi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammed Ibrahim said the community can now compete with the Presidential Villa in power supply.

 “In Robochi today, we can compete with the Villa. So many people have been calling to ask me how we did it,” he said.

 According to him, the community has been enjoying 24 hours supply since the project was connected five months ago.

 He recalled that the relief came from REA after several years of power outage ordeal.

 The monarch urged his subjects to take advantage of the light, which is planned to serve them for about 20 years if well- maintained.

 Similarly, the Federal Government College, Robochi, Principal, Mr. Funsho Adewale said the constant power supply has attracted more people to the community.

 He said the project has saved the college the monthly N200 million cost of diesel.

 He said there is now demand for several artisans services as hairdressing.

The principal said owing to the availability of electricity, the college has been accredited as a Computer Base Center.

Meanwhile, the REA Managing Director, Abba Aliyu said the project used local content, where local capacity existed.

He said the cable was sourced from Nocaco, a Nigerian cable-making company, while the meters were also procured from Nigeria after rigorous testing and certification.

The project which was funded by a Korea, said Aliyu, has delivered two landmark mini-grid installations, the 900-kilowatt facility in Robochi, and the 100-kilowatt system in Ikwa.

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He added that both sites are fully operational and already provided stable, reliable power to households, small businesses, including the federal government’s college here in Robochi.

The REA boss said approximately 2,500 households and institutions are now connected, noting the impact is immediate and far-reaching.

Continuing, he said:  “Small businesses now can operate beyond daylight hours. Students can learn in a safer and better lit environment. Health services are now being provided with a reliable electricity, as well as using the infrastructure to create job opportunities within the communities.”