The Sokoto State Government has awarded a N5.5billion contract for the rehabilitation of a 33kV electricity line to restore power supply to four local government areas that have been without electricity for a decade.

In a statement issued on Friday, Abubakar Bawa, Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto, said the project would cover Binji, Tangaza, Gudu and Silame local government areas.

The statement quoted the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Bashir Muhammad Achida, as disclosing this while briefing journalists on the outcome of Wednesday’s State Executive Council meeting.

He said the project was expected to improve electricity supply in the affected communities, stimulate economic activities and enhance residents’ living conditions.

Achida said Governor Ahmed Aliyu was concerned about the prolonged blackout and had therefore approved the intervention through the award of the contract.

The commissioner also disclosed that the state government had awarded a N988.9m contract for the rehabilitation of Government Technical College, Binji.

He said the institution had deteriorated over the years, affecting effective teaching and learning.

According to him, the school was previously known for providing vocational training but had gradually lost its capacity due to the poor state of its facilities.

He said the rehabilitation was aimed at restoring the institution’s capacity to provide vocational skills, which he described as critical to job creation, reducing unemployment and promoting economic development. (Daily Trust)