From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The European Union (EU) has launched the Solar for Health Project in Plateau State to ensure that healthcare facilities in the state have unhindered access to reliable electricity for medical equipment, providing better healthcare services for local communities.
The Solar for Health project is part of the broader EU Global Gateway initiative, which aims to promote investment in smart, sustainable infrastructure across the world, including in the areas of energy, health, and education.
The project, funded by the EU in partnership with the Plateau State government, underscores the importance of clean energy in improving the quality of life, particularly in rural healthcare settings.
Speaking during the launch of the Solar for Health project, Inga Stefanowicz, Head of Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation in Nigeria and ECOWAS, highlighted the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy sector through initiatives like Solar for Health.
She stated that the project marks a significant step in the partnership between the EU and Plateau State, aiming to ensure reliable and clean energy in healthcare facilities.
The project, she said, will support a minimum of 25 healthcare facilities across the state, improving energy access and enhancing overall healthcare services.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, welcomed the initiative, stressing the critical role energy plays in providing quality healthcare.
He noted that energy access is crucial for powering life-saving equipment and ensuring effective medical care. “Without energy, our healthcare services are limited. This project is a game changer for Plateau State, and we are committed to its success.”
In addition to the launch, Governor Mutfwang inaugurated the Plateau State Solar for Health Project Steering Committee, which includes representatives from the EU, GIZ, NTU International, and the Plateau State Government tasked with overseeing the implementation of the project.
The committee will also be chaired by the Managing Director of Plateau State Energy Corporation, Pongzing Gambe, with the Commissioner for Health, Cletus Shurkuk, serving as co-chair.
The Secretary to the Plateau State Government, Samuel Jatau, who was appointed as the chairman of the state steering committee, thanked the governor for the honour of serving and leading the committee and pledged that he and all members of the team would deliver to ensure the successful implementation of the project in the state.
The EU said it has committed €1.7 million for overall project implementation by NTU International and €8.7 million for infrastructure managed by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
