The Sokoto State government has awarded a N5.5 billion contract to rehabilitate a 33kV electricity line and restore power supply to Binji, Tangaza, Gudu and Silame local government areas.

The commissioner for budget and economic planning, Bashir Muhammad-Achida, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting.

According to him, the four local government areas have been without electricity supply for over a decade.

Mr Muhammad-Achida added that, upon completion, the project would improve electricity supply in the affected local government areas, stimulate socio-economic activities, and enhance residents’ living conditions.

“His Excellency is deeply concerned about the 10-year electricity blackout in Binji, Tangaza, Gudu and Silame local government areas and has decided to intervene by awarding this contract to restore electricity supply to the affected communities,” he said.

The commissioner also said the state government awarded a contract worth N988.9 million to rehabilitate Government Technical College, Binji.

He said the decision was informed by the deteriorating condition of the institution, which adversely affected effective teaching and learning.

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

Mr Muhammad-Achida added that the rehabilitation would restore the institution’s capacity to provide vocational training.

He further described vocational training as critical to promoting job creation, reducing unemployment and accelerating economic development.

(NAN)