TheCable

Sale Mamman, the minister of power, has directed contractors handling power projects across the country to return to sites since COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the federal government are being relaxed gradually.

Aaron Artimas, the minister’s special adviser on media and communication, announced the directive in a statement on Sunday.

Artimas said Mamman gave the directive during an inspection visit to the new Gagarawa 2 by 60 megavolt amp (MVA) 132/33 kilovolt sub-station being constructed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in Jigawa.

Speaking on the impact of COVID-19 on the power sector, the minister said the sector was among the worst affected with the entire value chain directly or indirectly counting losses.

“I can tell you that the impact of the pandemic is huge in the power sector as a real service provider,” he said.

“We, however, have joined the government effort to restart the economy with the easing of the lockdown and opening of the interstate road. I direct all contractors handling power projects to return to sites and work assiduously to recover from the losses recorded  during this lockdown.”

Speaking on the Gagarawa sub-station, he commended the contractors for their unrelenting dedication to the project.

Mamman also explained that the project would boost power supply in seven local government areas(LGAs) including an industrial area.

Abubakar Badaru, governor of Jigawa, who joined on the inspection, commended the minister for ensuring that the projects were completed after lingering for over 20 years.

He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his continued support towards delivering key infrastructural in the state.

NAN reports that the sub-station was 99 percent completed and had been energised.