*Edo to save Irrua Specialist Hospital N37m monthly cost with solar-powered project*

The Edo State Government is set to commence a solar power project at the Irrua Specialist Hospital (ISH), to supply 24 hours of electricity to the Federal Government-owned specialist health facility.

The project on completion will save the hospital over N37m spent monthly for the procurement of diesel.

The Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Engr. Enaholo Ojiefo, who disclosed this to journalists in Benin City, said the project is part of efforts by the state government to support major health facilities in the State to reduce their running costs and consequently cut healthcare costs.

The announcement followed the groundbreaking ceremony of a solar power project at the Nigerian Army Military Hospital in Benin City.

The project is expected to begin with the major health facilities in the State and expanded across the State’s 18 local government councils.

According to Ojiefo, while speaking at the groundbreaking for the solar power project at the Nigerian Army Military Hospital in Benin City, said, “We see our people coming here, especially the pregnant women, who come for healthcare services. The governor instructed us to ensure we support them with constant electricity.

“We are looking at a month plus for the project to be completed and ready. We have one of such project working in Eyaen already. There is a 1MW facility at Aduwawa and this will be another 1MW.”

He added, “The next project is Irrua Specialist Hospital which uses over N37 million on diesel. The governor has charged us to go after the major health establishments in the State to reduce healthcare costs.”

Earlier, Governor Godwin Obaseki who was represented by his deputy, Omobayo Marvellous Godwins, said the government remains committed to proffering a lasting solution to the power problem in the State.

The cost of energy, when reduced, will go a long way to help reduce the running cost in the facility. It will save the cost of diesel and will reduce the burden.

“It’s a laudable project and as an administration, we need to sit down with the 18 local government chairmen across the State to see how to positively design such projects so it can be extended across the State.”

He added, “We have a very good plan for the State and have gone more than 70 percent in its execution. I am sure we will finish well as a government.”

Clean energy is the future.

High cost of diesel and failure of the Nigeria power sector is the major driving force killing our economy.