Worried by the high cost of running public hospitals in the state on diesel generators and the cost implication on healthcare services, the Delta State Government has given approval for the installation of renewable energy (solar) in its hospitals across the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists on some of the decisions made at the State Executive Council (Exco) meeting presided over by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa at the Exco Chamber, Government House, Asaba.
Mr. Aniagwu noted that the approval became necessary in order to mitigate the challenges of energy in the medical facilities, especially in general hospitals in the state, pointing out that the renewable energy mix (solar panel) when installed, would enable the hospitals to meet up with their energy need, as the cost of running diesel generators had skyrocketed.
“We know that our facilities, especially the hospitals are having challenges of inadequate power supply and the cost of running diesel generators has also skyrocketed.
“Consequent upon this, we have decided to embrace renewable energy sources; this time around, the solar energy, to ensure we have power in our hospitals”, he said.
The Information Commissioner said the construction of a water front in Asaba, as well as a six-lane dual carriage road leading to the water front were also approved by the state Exco.
He listed other approvals by the state Exco to include the construction of the second phase of Umunede/Ogwashi-Uku road, otherwise know as the Old Lagos/Asaba road and the construction of the perimeter road of the Asaba International Airport.
“Today, we approved the construction of the second phase of Umunede/Ogwashi-Uku road, otherwise know as the Old Lagos/Asaba road.
“The first phase was started not long ago from Akumazi and terminated at Igbodo junction in Obior. So, the second phase will start from Igbodo junction and terminate at Ubulu-Uku.
“Thereafter, we will take from Ubulu-Uku to Ogwashi-uku as the last phase of the construction of the old road. You do know that it is a federal road but we have to intervene so that our people can have a smoother corridor to ply.
“We have also approved the construction of the perimeter road of the Asaba International Airport. We know that where there is a perimeter fence, you need a perimeter road to help ward off animals that could have access to the run way.
“It will also improve general security and further raise the standard of our Airport”, Mr. Aniagwu stated.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the state Exco equally gave approval for the engagement of consultants to help the state reconcile its FAAC accounts.
“We also approved today, the engagement of consultants to help us reconcile our FAAC accounts. Sometimes, you may not have the remittance that we should from financial institutions.
“You have seen that the remittance we are getting now from the federal government on the 13 per cent derivation is a product of reconciliation of accounts.
“Usually, the good thing about it is that, no recovery, no pay. If you engage a consultant with this clause, where the consultant doesn’t recover anything, then we don’t have to pay”, he said.
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