01/09/2025
Ahmad Usman
Dawaki, Yaya-Hammari Street
Gombe, Gombe State
07044256273
[email protected]
Monday, September 1st, 2025,
The Commissioner,
Ministry of Works and Housing,
Gombe State Secretariat,
Gombe, Nigeria.
Dear Sir
Freedom of Information Request for Cost Breakdown, Standards, and Warranty Details of Solar Street Lights Installed on Arowa-Danieshi Road
I am writing to you as a concerned citizen of Gombe State, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 (FOI Act), which guarantees the right of Nigerians to access information held by public institutions. This request seeks detailed information regarding the solar street lights installed along Arowa-Danieshi Road, Tudun Wada, from the northern roundabout of the Emir's Palace to Malam-Inna Junction, where the expressway ends. My inquiry is prompted by observed faults and deficiencies in the installation and functionality of these street lights, which raise concerns about their quality, maintenance, and the efficient use of public funds.
Each street light is equipped with two solar panels powering two light fixtures (e.g., facing west and east, or north and south). During a recent inspection, I noted the following issues, including observations from photographic evidences showing one light fixture operational while the other is off, or both are off:
- At the northern roundabout of the Emir's Palace:
- The southern angle street light has both panels not working.
- The eastern angle street light has one panel not working.
- The western angle street light has one panel not working.
- The northern angle street light has one panel not working.
- Along Arowa-Danieshi Road, counting from the northern side of the roundabout:
- The 11th street light has one panel not working, located near Abba Plaza.
- The 27th and 28th street lights each have one panel not working, located at the gate of the Shari'a Court of Appeal.
- There is a missing street light between the 32nd and 33rd installed street lights; a foundation was built, but no solar street light was placed. This location is between the Nigeria Aid Group of Islam (Jama'atu Nasril Islam) and Bormi Resource Nigerian Limited.
These faults, including instances where only one light fixture per pole is operational, suggest potential issues with installation, maintenance, or the quality of materials used. To ensure accountability and transparency, I kindly request the following information under Sections 1 and 2 of the FOI Act:
1. A detailed breakdown of the costs associated with each solar street light unit, including but not limited to:
- The cost of solar panels (per panel and per unit).
- The cost of light fixtures, bulbs, batteries, poles, wiring, and other components.
- Installation costs per unit.
- Additional expenses such as transportation, labor, or overheads.
- The total cost per complete street light unit.
2. Information on the standards and specifications of each solar panel used, including:
- Technical specifications (e.g., wattage, efficiency rating, material composition, durability standards).
- The manufacturer(s) and model(s) of the panels.
- Compliance with relevant national or international standards (e.g., Nigerian Industrial Standards or ISO certifications).
3. Details on the warranty provided for each solar panel and street light unit, including:
- The duration of the warranty.
- Coverage terms (e.g., what defects or failures are covered).
- The process for claiming warranty and any records of previous claims related to this project.
I request that this information be provided in writing or electronic format within the seven (7) working days stipulated by Section 4 of the FOI Act. If any part of this request is denied, please provide reasons for the denial in accordance with Section 19 of the Act, including details on how to appeal such a decision.
I am willing to pay any reasonable fees for reproduction or postage as required under Section 8 of the Act, but kindly inform me in advance if such fees apply. For any clarification, please contact me via the details provided above.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response to promote transparency and good governance.
Yours sincerely,
Ahmad Usman
