By Abdullahi Muhammad, Abuja
As a way of improving the security challenges bedevilling communities in the FCT, The Federal Capital Territory Administration said it has concluded plans to begin the installation of solar street lights in vulnerable communities towards tackling the menace.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mal. Muhammad Musa Bello gave the assurance Friday, during the commissioning of a ten unit solar street lights in Akwa street, Area 7, donated by Abuja Master Printers Leaque.
The minister who expressed his desire to see most parts of the territory, particularly the rural and vulnerable communities lit up at night with solar street lights, noted that the initiative was part of the administration’s measures aimed at addressing security challenges in the capital city.
Speaking through the Deputy Director, Facility Management, of the FCTA, Ayuba Usman, he disclosed that provision for the project was captured in the 2022 budget, noting however that the commencement of the project had suffered setback as a result of the delay in the release of the 2022 budget.
While commending the Abuja Master Printers League for the installation of the ten unit-solar powered street lights which will ensure that Akwa street where the UTC, Arts and Culture Centre and other important business offices are located is well illuminated nights, the minister enjoined corporate entities willing to partner with the administration to enable it carry out the project successfully to indicate interest.
For his part, the Chairman Abuja Masters Printers League, Kayode Alonge said the body embarked on the over 2.6 million naira project as part of its corporate social responsibility following the severe security threats business owners operating around the UTC neighbourhood face every night due to darkness.
He said the ten unit-industrial solar street lights will not only help in preventing activities of criminals who terrorise them every night, but also contribute to the aesthetics of the street.