Kogi state Government has disclosed of it readiness to tap into the opportunities that the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Project will offer in the provision of power to the State.
The State Government assured of its partnership with the Federal Government and its Niger State Counterpart towards ensuring that it boost power generation in the State through the Zungeru Power Plant when completed.
The State Governor, Capt Idris Wada stated this at the Dam site of the ground breaking ceremony of 700MW Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Project in Niger State.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy Yomi Awoniyi, said the completion of work on the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power plant project will also help boost power generation in Kogi State. Capt Wada noted that aside the partnership, the state also have as plan to establish a power plant that will help the state attain its Socio Economic transformation agenda geared towards creating employment, industrialization and providing power support to small and medium scale businesses.
The Governor commended the initiative of the Federal Government,describing it as worthwhile .
President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, while performing the ground breaking ceremony of the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power plant project said his administration is resolved in improving the power sector, assured that the HYPPEDEC bill will in the next few days will be signed into law.
President Jonathan described the Zungeru Power Plant as the Largest that will be built by his administration, assured that adequate funds has been set aside by his administration for the project to run unhindered.
In his remarks, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, Governor of Niger State assured of the support and cooperation of the people of Niger State, described the State as cradle of Hydropower stations.
He commended the President for the setting up of power intervention funds,called for the assent of the Hydro Electric Power Bill into law to improve the lives of the people living around the riverine areas and who constantly suffer flooding .
Prof. Chinedu Nebo, Minister for Power, said the potentials of the Zungeru Power Project when completed will add to the improved Mega watts of electricity been witnessed already in the country.
Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi, Minister of State for Power, in an overview on the Power Project said the Zungeru Power Plant is located on River Kaduna.
She disclosed that the Zungeru Engineering Procurement Construction is first of its kind for Dam Implementation in Nigeria has the advantage of guaranteeing a fixed cost and definite completion time for Employer.
The Construction of the Zungeru Hydroelectric Project was awarded to Sinohydro Corporation and CNEEC as an EPC contract.
