Two Chinese construction firms, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and CGCOC Group Co., have launched construction on the "Light Up Abuja" project, a flagship infrastructure initiative of Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
Government officials and residents gathered on Thursday for the launch ceremony in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, which marked the start of comprehensive installations of advanced hybrid solar streetlights across the city -- a move expected to significantly enhance security and urban development.
The project, divided into two main parts, assigns CCECC and CGCOC key responsibilities for delivering integrated solar lighting systems across major districts and expressways in the FCTA.
Speaking at the ceremony, FCTA Minister Nyesom Wike highlighted the project's importance in improving residents' quality of life and safety. He noted that conventional streetlights had become largely dysfunctional due to vandalism and poor maintenance, while the new hybrid solar systems are equipped with built-in resilience and advanced features to overcome these challenges.
Wike hailed the deepening comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Nigeria in infrastructure development, describing the project as a tangible outcome of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu's state visit to Beijing in September 2024 and a reinforcement of the mutually beneficial ties between the two countries.
Scheduled for completion within six to seven months, the project aims to transform Abuja's nighttime landscape ahead of the city's 50th anniversary in 2026. Under the agreement, the two Chinese firms will not only install but also maintain the solar lighting systems for four to five years.
"The project mainly involves the installation of tens of thousands of solar streetlights. Essentially, it signifies that during the China-Africa cooperation, our country's photovoltaic products and new energy solutions have been able to go overseas and enter Africa, gaining full recognition from local residents," said Guan Shuai, managing director of CCECC in Nigeria.
China-led solar project launched to light up Nigerian capital city
China-led solar project launched to light up Nigerian capital city
After the devastating fire at the housing complex Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the central government, Hong Kong authorities, and people from across China have joined forces in a massive outpouring of relief and support.
The blaze, the deadliest Hong Kong had witnessed for decades, broke out at around 14:50 on Nov 26 at the eight-towered residential estate Wang Fuk Court, which was under renovation, in Tai Po district. The fire quickly engulfed seven of the towers, leaving at least 159 dead, 79 injured and thousands of families homeless.
According to the latest official update, the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, established by the HKSAR government, has received 3 billion Hong Kong dollars in external donations. Together with the HKSAR government's start-up capital of 300 million Hong Kong dollars, the fund stands at around 3.3 billion Hong Kong dollars in total. It will be used to help residents rebuild their homes and provide long-term support.
Following the fire, the HKSAR government has made comprehensive, multi-tiered rescue and resettlement efforts.
On the night of the blaze, the government promptly established temporary shelters at multiple locations across Tai Po district, coordinating accommodations in youth hostels, hotels, and transitional housing for affected residents. Emergency subsidies and living allowances were distributed to those impacted, while support was also provided through a "one household, one social worker" mechanism.
People from across Hong Kong have joined volunteer efforts, hoping to bring warmth to the wounded community, with donated supplies such as clothing, food, drinking water continuously arriving at temporary shelters.
Many taxi drivers have also volunteered to provide free rides.
"We work here from 08:00 in the morning to past 22:00 at night. We only leave when there are no passengers. That's how it is. It does affect earnings a bit. It definitely has an impact. But that's not important. The most important thing is to help others first," said Wong Chi-chuen, a taxi driver .
At the request of the HKSAR government, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council has coordinated the Ministry of Emergency Management to provide batches of supplies for the Tai Po fire relief effort, including portable outdoor charging stations, heavy-duty conveyors, blowers, respirators, goggles, protective suits, headlamps, and waterproof boots.
Mainland companies and residents, and various sectors in Macao also provided support following the devastating fire in Hong Kong, donating funds and supplies for emergency relief and post-disaster recovery.
"A large amount of supplies was collected and delivered to our disaster-stricken areas in a very short time. It made me realize what it means to be bound by blood. Because this kind of bond runs deep. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone," said Peter Lam, chairman of Tai Po Rural Committee.
Support from across China pours in after devastating fire in Hong Kong
