The Bauchi State Infrastructure Development and Maintenance Agency (BASIDMA) has commenced the migration from diesel generator-powered streetlights to solar-powered across the state.

The agency’s director-general, Abdulrahman Maiauduga, disclosed this in an interview on Friday in Bauchi.

Mr Maiauduga said the state government decided to migrate to solar to reduce maintenance costs, adding that solar energy was more cost-effective and sustainable.

He said vandalism of cables had been a major challenge to streetlight operations in the state but noted that the agency had curbed the problem.

“The state government overcame this challenge through the engagement of security agencies to patrol, arrest and prosecute culprits.

“This has helped to reduce vandalism in the last year,” he said.

Mr Maiauduga also said the conversion to solar was intended to improve security and enhance service delivery.

He added that the agency had also repaired several streetlights across the state.

“We also recently activated streetlights in Misau local  government after more than 11 years of darkness in the area.

“People can now do their businesses at night without fear of attack or robbery, which has also improved revenue generation,” he said.

The director-general said Governor Bala Mohammed had approved the installation of streetlights in Azare and other local government areas of the state.

(NAN)