The new $1.2 billion Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project, which is being built in Niger State, is expected to be operational by the first quarter (Q1) of 2023, according to the Federal Government.
When the project is finished, according to the Minister of Power, Mr. Abubakar Aliyu, it will produce 700 megawatts of electricity.
According to a statement released in Minna by the office of the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, Aliyu, who on Thursday reviewed the scope of the project’s current activity, said three of the turbines have been erected.
According to the statement, each of the three turbines already installed can generate 175 megawatts of electricity.
The minister was said to have expressed satisfaction with the level of commitment exhibited by the contractors, maintaining that the completion of the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project would add 700 megawatts of electricity to the national grid.
Aliyu was also quoted as saying that the Zungeru Power Project is part of the Federal Government’s strategy to reposition power generation in phases in the country.
The statement said the SSG, Matane, who accompanied the minister to Zungeru for the inspection, said the state government has demonstrated “a high level of commitment to the implementation of the project because apart from electricity generation, it has abundant agricultural potential for the host communities to harness”.
The Project Manager, Mr. Abiy Getahun, said challenges of COVID-19 and insecurity hindered the smooth running and early completion of the project.
The minister also inspected the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Switch Yard at Gusase a distance of about 30 Kilometres from the plant.
The Zungeru Dam is the first in the country constructed using the Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) innovative design technology with the main benefit being a reduction in the overall construction period and embankment footprint when compared to a typical gravity dam.
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