TheCable

The federal government says the $1.2 billion Zungeru hydro-power dam project, constructed in Niger, will be ready for inauguration by the first quarter (Q1) of 2023.

Aliyu Abubakar, minister of power, made this known when he visited the project site, according to a statement on Thursday by Ahmed Matane, secretary to the state government (SSG).

Inspecting the progress of work on the project, Abubakar said three of the turbines have been installed.

He said each of the turbines already installed can generate 175 megawatts of electricity.

Abubakar said on completion of the project, 700 megawatts of electricity will be generated.

according to the statement, the minister also expressed satisfaction with the level of commitment exhibited by the contractors.

He added that the Zungeru power project is part of the federal government’s strategies to reposition power generation in phases in the country.

“The Zungeru project is at 98 percent completion stage. Presently, work on three of the turbines, each producing 175 MW of electricity, has been completed and tested,” Abubakar said.

Abiy Getahun, the plant’s project manager, said challenges of COVID-19 and insecurity hindered the smooth running and early completion of the project.

Meanwhile, the minister also inspected the Zungeru hydroelectric power plant switchyard at Gusase, about 30 kilometres from the plant.