A community in northern Nigeria that has lived in perpetual darkness for 30 years has finally seen the light.
To many, the story is unthinkable but for the people of Kawu in Niger State it is so true. They have grappled with darkness for over three decades with successive government promising to deliver electricity.
The first glimmer of hope was in 1999 when Nigeria returned to civilian rule after many years of military dictatorship but very soon hopes of having electricity dwindled.
Politicians made promises but none of them delivered the elusive Holy Grail to Kawu.
Chronicle NG reports that in 2018, transparency and accountability platform, Tracka, highlighted and amplified the sufferings of the people in the community. Shortly after Tracka’s call, the community of Kawu caught the attention of the government.
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Revealing that a transformer as been installed in Kawu, Tracka said, “The people of Kawu Community, Lapai LG, Niger State, have lived in darkness for 30 years.
“All government promises have persistently failed. Today, Tracka advocacy that started in 2018 has brought power to the community. We’re here to felicitate,” Tracka tweeted with pictures of the transformer.
Tracka noted that its business in Kawu isn’t finished the primary school in the community is upgraded to standard. “Please, note that Kawu is just 20 kilometer away from Lapai, which is 15 minute drive.
“With just a primary school serving the whole community, school kids learn on the floor. The only room with chairs and a door is the headmaster’s office.”
Tracka also noted that, “The work remaining is the connection of every household to the transformer. We are not done until that’s fixed. Thank you and all Nigerians for your concern and support.”