The Federal Government has begun the installation of solar systems in rural areas in Lagos to mitigate the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy on rural residents. The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) specifically constructed solar systems in schools and public health facilities in Makoko, in the Yaba region of the city.
Yesterday, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, the Managing Director of Rural Electrification Agency (REA), made this statement while inspecting schools and hospitals in Makoko with installed Solar Home Systems (SHS).
Engr Ahmad stated that the deployment was part of the FG’s National Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy.
He stated that while the agency’s goal was to offer access to energy for unserved and underprivileged regions, the function is now more of a social service to reduce the community’s environmental and economic difficulties.
He said it was part of a more extensive trip to the South West area, with stops in Osogbo, Osun, and Ijebu-Ode, all in Ogun state.
“What is clear even in the immediate aftermath is that using a de-centralized approach towards electrification of communities such as Makoko is the right approach given the difficulty of operating a traditional grid system.
“We are offering rural dwellers free solar power as part of the ongoing efforts to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the less privileged Nigerians,” he said.
cc: Daily Trust Ng
