Insecurity: Abuja vulnerable communities to get solar street lights

By Stanley Onyekwere

Concerned by the prevailing security challenges bedevilling the society, FCT Administration has conclusion of plans to begin the installation of solar street lights in vulnerable communities, to help tackle the menace. 

The FCT Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello gave the assurance during the commissioning of a ten unit solar street lights in Akwa street, Area 7, donated by Abuja Master Printers Leaque. 

Bello, who expressed desire to see most part 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 Abuja, 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. 

He commended the Abuja Master Printers Lique for the installation of the ten units 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 Leaque, 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 units industrial solar street lights will not only help in preventing activities of criminals who terrorise them every night, but also contribute to the aesthetic beauty of the street.