The European Union (EU) delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS announced its funding of a solar mini-grid project for the residents of Etomi community in Cross River State, Nigeria.
The EU revealed in a statement on Monday, November 4 that there had black out in the community for the past six years.
“After six years without electricity, residents of Etomi community in Cross River State now enjoy reliable, clean and affordable electricity through the European Union-funded solar mini-grid project.
“The solar project, which provides 119.5kW of electricity to over 600 households and businesses in the community, was implemented by the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ),” the statement noted.
Inga Stefanowicz, Head of the Green and Digital Economy Section at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) explained that the grid operates under a public-private partnership to guarantee its sustainability and ongoing maintenance.
A private company is responsible for managing the grid’s operations in collaboration with the Cross River State Government, Nigeria.
Stefanowicz stated that the project is part of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which aims to provide Nigerians with access to clean, renewable and affordable energy.
“The provision of reliable, clean and affordable electricity for domestic and commercial use will boost the social and economic development of the people.
“I am also glad to say that we are taking electricity to a cocoa-producing community.
“This will help their farming activities and processes greatly,” He said.
The Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Eka Williams, explained that the solar mini-grid project is an off-grid system and expressed confidence that it would greatly benefit the Etomi community.
He said, “I want to say a very big thank you to my Governor, in partnership with the EU, who has made this possible.
“We have a replication of this in about four communities in Etung Local Government Area.”
A resident of the Etomi community, shared his excitement, noting that his community had been without electricity for more than six years.
He said, “Residents of the Etomi community are happy because the EU has provided us with electricity after six years of darkness.
“We are grateful to them, and pray that God continues to bless them.”
Another resident of the Etomi community, disclosed that she had relied on a generator to run her hair-styling business for seven years.
She noted that this was expensive due to the costs of fuel, repairs and maintenance.
“Before the installation of the solar plant, I managed my business using a generator.
“The cost of fueling the generator is very expensive.
“Since the installation of the solar plant, my customers can come into my shop to get their hair done and enjoy a cool and clean atmosphere devoid of generator smoke and noise.
“Also, I can make enough profit to take care of my household, including paying for the school fees of my children,” she said.
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