Ashaka Cement’s N11b power plant ready in 2019

Nigeria’s energy problem will receive a much-needed boost early 2019

when the 16-MW power station being constructed by AshakaCem is completed.

AshakaCem is a subsidiary of Lafarge Africa and a member of the LafargeHolcim Group.The Naira11-billion project began in 2017 and is expected to be completed in January 2019, the MD Rabiu Abdullah Umar said at a news conference in Gombe.

He said the power plant, when completed, will not only release additional megawatts to the national grid but also create employment opportunities.The plant is also expected to boost the operational efficiency and tackle the high energy cost of the largest industry in Nigeria’s northeast.“Currently, we rely on generators for our operations, which consume much fuel and whether you are using diesel or petrol, it has strong correlation to foreign exchange.

“So, we are helping to remove ourselves from the demand for energy and providing our own solution, which means a minimum of 16 MW of electricity will now become available to the public grid for the people in the region. The power plant is our biggest plan aimed at reducing our costs.”

also briefed newsmen on the CSR projects has carried out within its catchment area in the last few years.Umar noted that AshakaCem has made youth empowerment, health and education the focal points of its CSR.AshakaCem had donated blocks of classrooms in three communities; three maternity clinics and electrification projects in four communities.

The company has also constructed an 11-km feeder road that links Maiganga, Piyau, Kobuwa, Garin Maishanu & Kayelbaga communities, a multi-million naira 7. 5 km tarred road in Maiganga.It has also launched Maiganga Employability Artisans Trainee Programme which has empowered over 150 youths.Umar said AshakaCem would collaborate with the newly established Gombe State Polytechnic, Bajoga, to extend artisanship programmes.