- Two hospitals, two communities in the state, will benefit from stable, clean solar energy.
- The REF intends to expand the projects into the community to provide members with stable power supply.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) yesterday commissioned solar projects at two health facilities in Kogi State. A 65kWp solar hybrid mini-grid was deployed at the 250-bed Cottage Hospital in Ukpogo community as well as another 5.4kWp at the Government Cottage Hospital, Adavi-Eba.
The MD of REA Engr. Ahmad Salihijo at the commissioning stated that the projects would provide hospitals with alternative sources of power to meet up with the challenges being faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He added the plants would enable the hospitals to utilise equipment that requires a stable power supply optimally.
The Executive Director, Rural Electrification Funds (REF) at REA, Dr Sanusi Mohammed Ohiare, assured the communities of a future connection to the national grid and stressed that the hospitals ensure that the solar systems are optimally maintained. He stated that the REF intends to extend these projects into the communities.
These hospitals are strategically located and vital to providing health services for members of Adavi-Eba and Ukpogo communities. It is expected that the provision of sustainable and reliable energy supply will help increase healthcare service delivery in the communities.