Abia State Government on Tuesday, commenced the distribution of 53 transformers to various Communities across the State to enhance Electricity supply.
Speaking at the distribution of the first phase of of the transformers to 11 benefiting Communities, Governor Alex Otti stated that the initiative is part of his social contract with the people of the state.
The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday emphasized his administration’s commitment to promote and provide reliable electricity supply to Communities across the State.
He recalled that in December, his Government announced the procurement of the transformers and assured that all 53 units would be distributed to beneficiaries within the week.
“This is the first batch of transformers that will be procured and supplied to communities in the State.
“So today we will be handing over to 11 Communities and the entire week, we will distribute the remaining transformers to the benefitting Communities,
“This is to boost Electricity supply to our Communities in the State. This is part of that gesture that would help us achieve that goal”, Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor who disclosed that the beneficiaries were selected on ‘first come, first served basis’, underscored the importance of reliable electricity in fostering industrialization, saying; “we cannot promote industrialization without reliable Electricity”.
He called on Community Leaders to take responsibility and ensure the transformers are protected from vandalism.
“This is that tax payers money that is put to work so you should endeavour to ensure that you will handle it with care protect it and provide enough security”, the Gov instructed.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Eze Innocent Ezeala of Ibe Uzo Amawom – Oboro Community, Ikwuano Local Government Area, expressed gratitude to the Governor for extending the gesture to his Community.
He described the initiative as a welcome development and a demonstration of the present administration’s commitment to the transformation of the State.
The Traditional ruler who commended the seamless process said; “I came here and put up an application for a transformer for my Community without seeing the Commissioner.
“I was called on phone to come for the transformer without having to grease anyone’s palms with anything in order to get it”, he stated.
The 11 Communities that benefited in the first phase of the distribution include Umuogo (Umuahia South), Amaegbuato-Nkpa (Bende LGA), Okpuala/Umuelenwa (Isiala Ngwa North), Agbama Olokoro (Umuahia South), Ibe Uzo Amawom (Ikwuano LGA), Umuoruku (Obingwa LGA), Atani Abam (Arochukwu LGA), Ndi Oti Alicho-Acho (Arochukwu LGA), Abayi Ohanze (Obingwa LGA), Nwokoma Environs-Umuagbaghi (Aba South LGA), and Umuokelenta Amaoba Oboro (Ikwuano LGA).
