Saturday, February 15, 2025

Plateau Govt, EU Launch Solar Energy Project for Healthcare Centers

The Plateau State Government has launched the Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP) to provide solar energy to 25 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across its 17 Local Government Areas.

The initiative, in collaboration with the European Union (EU), is part of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s efforts to revitalize the state’s healthcare system.

During the inauguration of the project’s Steering Committee in Jos, Governor Mutfwang emphasized the importance of energy in delivering quality healthcare.

He revealed that less than 5% of Plateau’s over 1,000 PHCs were functional when his administration took office.

We are committed to improving healthcare services across Plateau State. Last week, we awarded contracts for the renovation of 82 PHCs.

The Solar for Health project will address one of healthcare’s critical needs—energy. Without reliable electricity, we cannot install diagnostic equipment, store vaccines, or preserve medicines effectively,” he said.

The governor thanked the EU for selecting Plateau as a beneficiary and stressed the project’s focus on improving rural healthcare.

This initiative ensures people in rural areas can access quality healthcare. It also empowers women and youth, helping to reduce poverty, improve life expectancy, and enhance the quality of life across the state,” he added.

Earlier, Mrs. Inga Stephanowicz, Head of Section for Green and Digital Economy at EU-Nigeria, commended Plateau State for its 30% counterpart funding, describing it as a sign of commitment to sustainable healthcare.

Reliable electricity is essential for effective healthcare. Only 40% of functional PHCs in Nigeria have steady power. This project will change that by equipping facilities with renewable energy solutions, enhancing service delivery,” she stated.

She also announced plans to construct a hydro-solar power plant at Assop Falls in Riyom Local Government Area to complement the solar installations and expand the project’s impact.

Also speaking, Mr. Tinyan Ogiehor, Senior Stakeholders Engagement Manager of NISHP, highlighted the challenges healthcare facilities face due to unreliable electricity.

Our study of PHCs near the metropolis reflects nationwide conditions. Vaccine storage, night-time services, and basic operations are often compromised,” he said.

He explained that the project would install solar microgrids in selected facilities, benefitting both healthcare and local businesses.

This initiative will electrify 25 PHCs and up to 75 businesses per center, creating a sustainable model for health and economic growth,” Ogiehor noted.

The nine-member Steering Committee, chaired by Mr. Ponzing Gamde, Executive Director of the Plateau Energy Corporation, includes Dr. Clestus Shurkuk, Commissioner for Health, as co-chair, along with Secretary to the State Government Arc. Samuel N. Jatau and other key officials.

Comments 1

  1. You should take part in a contest for the most effective blogs on the web. I will advocate this web site!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Just In

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Subscribe to