Sokoto State Government has awarded a N5.5 billion contract for the rehabilitation of a 33kV electricity line and restoration of township electricity distribution networks in Binji, Tangaza, Gudu and Silame Local Government Areas, which have experienced a decade-long power outage.
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 project was aimed at restoring electricity supply to the affected communities, stimulating socio-economic activities and improving residents’ living conditions.
He explained that Governor Ahmed Aliyu was concerned about the prolonged blackout in the four local government areas and decided to intervene through the rehabilitation project.
The commissioner also announced that the state government had awarded a contract worth N988,896,861.18 for the rehabilitation of Government Technical College, Binji.
He said the decision followed the deteriorating condition of the institution, which had affected effective teaching and learning.
According to him, the college was previously recognised for providing students with vocational skills but had gradually lost its capacity to deliver quality technical training due to inadequate and deteriorating facilities.
Achida said the rehabilitation was intended to restore the institution’s former status and strengthen vocational education in the state.
He emphasised that vocational training remained essential to promoting job creation, reducing unemployment and accelerating economic development.
The two projects form part of the Sokoto State Government’s efforts to address critical infrastructure challenges and improve access to essential services across the state.
