Nwaorisara Kanu, Gombe
…UNIDO to set up mini hydro turbines to generate electricity in Gombe state
Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, has emphasized that his administration will take advantage of the soon to be commissioned Dadinkowa Hydropower plant to set up an industrial park to encourage investors to establish industries in the state.
According to the governor’s Senior Special Assistant Media, Ismaila Misilli, in a press statement noted that governor disclosed this during a meeting with the management of a Chinese Conglomerate, Huadong Engineering Corporation, who are in Gombe to explore business and investment opportunities.
Huadong Engineering, is an arm of PowerChina, which is a state-owned hydropower project contractor that comprises 65 per cent of the market share in China’s large and medium-scale hydropower project construction.
Governor Yahaya disclosed that part of the discussions he had with the United Nations during his recent visit was on power generation through the UN Industrial Development Organisation, UNIDO which he said is going to assist in putting up some mini turbines to boost power supply.
He noted that with the sorting out of contractual hitches surrounding Cham Dam, the potentials are now enormous, with opportunities to improve on irrigation and power generation.
On the Dadinkowa Hydropower power project, Governor Yahaya observed that the plant will be of immense benefit to the people of the state, adding that the government will utilize it optimally.
While appreciating the update given to him on the Dadinkowa project by the Management of Mabon Energy and the officials of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Governor Yahaya said that “power is the key to the socio-economic development. We must therefore appreciate the Federal Government for the efforts put in place to get to this level of completion of the plant. As for the energy component, I want to give you my assurance that we are prepared to utilize the facility for the benefit of our people”.
To the investors, he said, ” we are happy that you are here and have shown interest to invest. I want to assure you that we will open the doors for you and give you our maximum support and cooperation “.
“I believe by the time we put up a park that will host a cluster of industries; small and medium scale enterprises, which are the backbone of the economy, business will begin to spring up in the state and the sky will be our limit”.
The project manager and Deputy Director, Electro- Mechanical Equipment Business Development of the Chinese Company, Mr. Chen Zhi who led the delegation of the Chinese investors, said they are aware of the enormous potentials in Gombe state and the Governor’s disposition towards providing enabling environment for prospective investors.
He said they are willing to take advantage of the gesture to invest in the areas of solar energy and other sectors of the economy.
The meeting, facilitated by the Managing Director of Mabon Energy Limited, Christopher Cyril also had in attendance, a team from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, led by Engineer Nicholas Madu, a Deputy Director in the ministry.
The Ministry’s team came to Gombe at the instance of the Hon. Minister of Water Resources to inspect the readiness of the 40MW Dadinkowa Hydropower Project in preparation for its commissioning.
Governor Yahaya, who expressed readiness of Gombe state for the launching ceremony, said Mr. President, as the father of the nation will be requested to personally conmission the plant.