by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
PLATEAU: The Senator Representing Southern Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Simon Bako Lalong, has commenced rural solar electrification of remote villages in the zone as part of his constituencies.
In the first-phase of the project, over 80 solar street lights have been installed in four villages across four Local Government Areas.
They include: Demshin, Shendam LGA; Gangnum, Langtang South LGA; Turniang Quan-Pan LGA; and Laling in Mikang LGA.
During a visit to Senatorial Headquarters, Shendam, Senator Lalong took time off to visit Laling, one of the villages in Mikang Local Government Area, where the installation of solar lights was done.
He was received by a jubilant crowd, who welcomed him together with the Transition Committee Chairman of Mikang Local Government Area, Hon. Daniel Kunmi, who described Senator Lalong as an “old friend and politician,” who has passion for the development of the people, irrespective of political or religious differences.
The Senator, while explaining this, said: “This the first-phase of the rural solar electrification programme targeted at remote villages that may not be connected to the national grid on time.”
He said the entire Senatorial District will be covered with the project, which will complement the national grid which is being worked upon to ensure that the zone has electricity.
Speaking, the Mikang Local Government Area Transition Committee Chairman, Dan Kunmi, noted that, though they belong to different political parties with Senator Lalong, the rural solar electrification project is a component of governance that benefits everyone, irrespective of political or other affiliations; hence, his delight to welcome the legislator.
The Village Head of Laling also expressed delight for the gesture and said his people appreciate Senator Lalong not only for the solar lights, but for constantly identifying with them in different circumstances.
The Senator visited the Long Tehl in Mikang LGA, HRH Puntel Donald, to commiserate with him over the demise of one of his traditional rulers.
He urged the family and the traditional ruler to continue to encourage his subjects to do their best to serve with zeal, patriotism and integrity, as no one knows the hour of death.
The Long Tehl, HRH Puntel Donald, appreciated the visit and commended the Senator for his love and support to the people of the Chiefdom, and thanked Lalong for considering one of his villages, Laling, for the first-phase of the rural solar electrification project.
Similarly, Lalong paid condolence to the Long Gamai of Gamailand, HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas III, over the recent demise of his son, Heskat Shaldas, and urged the Royal Father to be consoled over the sad development and accept the will of God over the incident.
He described the deceased as a promising gentleman, who contributed enormously to the development of the Chiefdom, Shendam LGA and Plateau State at large.
The Long Gamai of Gamailand, HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas III, thanked the Senator for the visit and also congratulated him for initiating projects that have direct impact on the people.