Amidst criticism from some politicians and residents of Oyo State on the decision of Oyo State Government to power streets light with diesel generators, Comrade Bayo Titilola-Sodo, Special Adviser on Labour Matters to His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde gave strong explanation to justify government decision.
Speaking in Ibadan on Sunday during a special interview with inquisitiores.com, Comrade Sodo described the decision as the best for the State considering the state of security in the country which has made some nations to issue travel warning to their citizens who might be interested in visiting Nigeria.
“I’m not surprised at various criticisms flying around on streets light project, especially now that electioneering process has started, I would be wronged not to have expected campaign of calumny against this administration. But these people fail to realise that it is dangerous to create negative impression on a special project planned and executed by the government to guarantee safety of the people of Oyo State at this period when terrorism and other social vices are on the increase in Nigeria.
“These wicked men of the underworld, kidnappers, ritualists and terrorists haven’t retreated nor slow down their activities and that’s why this administration led by Engr Seyi Makinde is leaving no stone unturned to ensure safety measures are in place.
Comrade Sodo however analysed the major reasons for choosing diesel generators over solar power,
“Solar panels is weather-dependent. Although solar energy can still be collected during cloudy and rainy days, the efficiency of the solar system drops and when this happens all the areas will be exposed to danger. It requires sunny weather to work best. Energy can only be generated when sunlight is hitting the face of the panel and being converted. Therefore if there is no sun, there will be no energy being produced.
“Despite high cost of diesel, diesel generators remain a very common choice of electricity generation. Why? Because the initial cost of a solar generator can be anywhere from 5 to 10 times higher compared to conventional street lights using diesel generator and this may require government to suspend some pressing issues to have sufficient fund committed to the project.
“Risk of theft is higher as equipment costs are comparatively higher. It is not impossible for theives to target solar panels and batteries, most especially now that crime has become part of life among the youths in Nigeria, after all several of them have been caught and lives being lost while attempting to remove electricity cable and transformers.
“Another reason considered by the government is that solar panels and other equipment are difficulty to repair, only few competent technicians are available in Nigeria at present. Its vulnerability to lightning strikes also increases the financial risk associated with an investment in solar instead of diesel. Dust and other particulates, combined with moisture can accumulate on horizontal PV-panels and reduce or even stop energy production. This will require spending another money within months of purchase to repair or replace faulty panels.
“Honestly, solar shouldn’t have been used as excuse to discredit the good works of this administration. Give what I listed above consideration and do proper investigation on them, you will discover those noises were from political opponents who have engaged propagandists to champion their cause. But let me assure you and the good people of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde and his team won’t be distracted at all but will rather intensify efforts to end insecurity and other social vices in the state,” Comrade Sodo reassured.
