Northern senators lament blackout in Kano, Katsina, Jigawa
The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has raised concerns regarding the ongoing power outages affecting Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states.
The chairman of the forum, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, highlighted the critical nature of the situation during a statement made in Abuja. He pointed out that these prolonged outages have been primarily caused by vandalism and disturbances within the national grid.
The senators emphasized that these power outages have led to severe economic hardships for residents in these regions. Small businesses are struggling to operate effectively due to unreliable electricity supply, which is essential for their daily operations. Hospitals are also facing increased running costs as they rely on alternative energy sources like fuel generators to maintain their services. This situation has resulted in higher expenses for citizens who must purchase fuel at elevated prices due to the lack of stable electricity.
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In response to this crisis, the NSF has called for immediate intervention from the Federal Government. They have specifically requested expedited repairs on the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines, which are crucial for restoring reliable power supply to these states. Additionally, they urged the government to implement security measures aimed at preventing further vandalism of power infrastructure.
The senators acknowledged some progress made in power distribution under the current administration but stressed that urgent action is necessary to alleviate the suffering of constituents and revitalize economic activities in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states. They also advocated for sustainable energy solutions and support for renewable energy initiatives proposed by local electricity distribution companies.
The Forum said it’s deeply concerned about the severe blackouts, urging prompt government intervention to restore electricity supply and improve conditions for residents and businesses alike.
