Bauchi Assembly calls on Government to electrify five communities

By, Rabiu Ishaq Muhammad

Bauchi State House of Assembly has called on the State Government to provide electricity to five communities surrounding Cheledi and Kirfi Local Government Secretariat in Kirfi Local Government Area.

The call followed a motion presented before the House by the Member representing Kirfi Constituency, Barrister Habibu Umar.

The affected communities are Sindigawo, Wuro Bungi, Wuro Denga, Bedoji and Feltum, which, according to the lawmaker, have remained without electricity for more than two decades despite the fact that electricity transmission infrastructure serving Kirfi Local Government passes around their settlements.

Presenting the motion, Barrister Habibu Umar said the prolonged lack of electricity has deprived residents of the basic benefits of power supply and constrained the socio-economic development of the communities.

He explained that the affected communities are predominantly inhabited by farmers, livestock rearers, traders and other small scale business operators, stressing that electricity would improve agricultural productivity, local commerce and other economic activities.

The lawmaker also noted that access to electricity would improve education, healthcare delivery, water supply and security, while creating more opportunities for young people and helping to reduce rural to urban migration.

Barrister Habibu Umar further called on relevant ministries, agencies and electricity distribution authorities to conduct a technical assessment of the areas and determine the infrastructure required, including distribution lines, transformers, poles and other installations.

He also urged the government to include the electrification project in appropriate development and budgetary programmes, while calling on the relevant House Committee to liaise with ministries, departments, agencies and electricity authorities to ensure follow up and implementation.