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Governor Mutfwang Launches Solar Power Project to Boost Healthcare in Plateau’s Rural Communities

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has launched the Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP), a significant initiative aimed at providing solar power to over 25 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas.

The project is supported by the European Union (EU) and is designed to ensure a reliable power supply to these healthcare facilities, improving the quality of services they provide.

At the inauguration of the project’s Steering Committee, Governor Mutfwang highlighted the essential role of electricity in modern healthcare, noting its importance in operating diagnostic equipment, storing vaccines, and preserving medicines. He commended the EU and NISHP for selecting Plateau State as a beneficiary and reiterated the state’s commitment to ensuring the project’s success.

“This project is a testament to our administration’s commitment to functional PHCs and access to quality, affordable healthcare at the grassroots. When we assumed office, less than 5% of the over 1,000 PHCs in the State were operational. This prompted us to award contracts for the renovation of 82 PHCs. The NISHP project will significantly improve the energy situation in the healthcare sector across the State,” the Governor stated.

Earlier, the Head of Section, Green and Digital Economy, EU-Nigeria, Mrs. Inga Stephanowicz, noted that the project focuses on delivering clean and renewable energy solutions to improve healthcare and commended the Plateau State Government for fulfilling its obligation by providing 30% counterpart funding for the initiative.

“Access to steady electricity is indispensable for effective healthcare delivery. Research indicates that only 40% of functional PHCs in Nigeria have regular power supply, which hinders their efficiency. The NISHP project aims to reverse this trend,” she explained.

Mr. Tinyan Ogiehor, Senior Stakeholders Engagement Manager of NISHP, added that the project is to positively impact healthcare delivery and boost economic activities, saying, “Beyond powering the PHCs, this project will enhance the operations of 75 small businesses located within these facilities. For this phase, at least one PHC per LGA will benefit.”

The nine-member Steering Committee for the project is chaired by Mr. Ponzing Gamde, Executive Director of the Plateau Energy Corporation, with the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk, serving as co-chair while the Secretary to the State Government. Samuel Jatau is among the other members.

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