$5 Million Solar Power Project: Machok Community Faults Firm’s Feasibility Claims

From Julius B. Kezi, Kafanchan
Contrary to claims by Quaint Global Energy Nigerian Ltd that it has conducted an environment social impact assessment in Manchok Kaura Local Council, Kaduna State, the community has alleged that the firm, which claimed to have carried out the assessment for the establishment of a 50MW solar photovoltaic plant in Manchok, only fabricated false and misleading information to earn $5million Power Africa Initiative grant.
Paramount Chief of Moro’a and the Secretary to the Kaduna State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, His Highness Mallam Tagwai Sambo, in an interview, denied any knowledge of such activity in his chiefdom.
Mallam Sambo said the firm in question only paid him a courtesy visit once to hint him and seek a site for the proposed project, during which he referred them to the Kaduna State government and since then they had not returned to the area. The royal father also said that the activities of the firm were only noticed in the media and not in concrete terms as claimed.
“There is no sensitization activity or visibility of Quaint Global Energy Nigeria Ltd in our community as we only read about Quaint in the media and social networks,” he said.
Mallam Tagwai Sambo lamented the use of his portrait on the website of the firm “to perpetrate its nefarious activities,” describing it as disrespectful to his person and the community.
The traditional ruler urged government to as a matter of urgency launch intensive investigation into the activities of Quaint Global Energy Nigeria Ltd, with a view to ascertaining the genuineness of its activities.
When contacted, Mr. Seun Solasi, Director of Quaint Global Energy Nigeria Ltd dismissed the allegation, describing it as “unfortunate.”
Solasi claimed that it was impossible to obtain an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) illegally.
The director also disclosed that the firm had a written letter issued by Kaura Council as evidence to prove the community’s involvement in the EIA.
Solasi said the project, which is expected to commence before the end of this year, would also serve the community.