From Umar Danladi Ado, SokotoThe N3.8billion Sokoto

State Government Independent Power Plant Project (IPP), is expected to be commissioned in the second quarter of this year, says the state commissioner for energy, Barr. Bello Muhammad Goronyo.

It could be recalled that the IPP project was initiated and contract awarded in November 2008, by the immediate past Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko.

Already, the state government has successfully conducted a test-run of the Independent Power Project.

The project, which is the first of its kind in the Northern part of the country, has an installed capacity of a minimum of 30 megawatts and a maximum of 38 megawatts.

Barr. Goronyo stated this when he received a delegation from Energy Research Centre, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto who paid him a courtesy visit.

He explained that the project has reached 95 per cent completion and when completed the project would generate 38 megawatts of electricity and will be connected to the National Grid.

He said this is part of the practical resolve of the Aminu Waziri Tambuwal administration to ensure overall development of the state through energy.

He stated that when completed the project would also generate employment opportunities to the teeming unemployed youths in addition to generating revenue for the state.

The leader of the delegation, Engr. Ismaila Isa, said their visit was to congratulate the commissioner for the establishment of the ministry and to seek for areas of collaboration.