The Abia State Government’s long-anticipated bid to acquire a 60 per cent stake of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) assets within the Umuahia ring-fenced area, has been accepted by Interstate Electricity Limited, a core investor in EEDC.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu stated that the development marks a major breakthrough in the State’s efforts to revitalise its power sector and strengthen its economic development drive.
He explained that upon the completion of the takeover process, the eight local government areas within the Umuahia ring-fenced zone would experience improved electricity supply and enhanced business activity.
The Commissioner further revealed that the State Government had also approved the restoration of electricity to Ohafia to end years of blackout and stimulate the growth initiatives of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA).
Prince Kanu added that a 1.8-megawatt solar micro-grid would be installed at bus terminals in Umuahia and Aba, with contract processes already underway.
On water infrastructure, the Commissioner announced that the Ministry of Power and Public Utilities had made significant progress in the execution of the CKC-Aba Regional Water Project.
According to him, when completed, the project would provide long-awaited tap water to residents who have endured years without access.
Prince Kanu further disclosed that the Ministry of Lands had sustained its drive to deliver on its “Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in 30 days” initiative, signing 420 certificates in September alone.
He added that a total of 1,432 certificates had been issued in the past year, and 2,707 in the last two years, almost matching the output recorded over the previous eight years.
Prince Kanu emphasised that the progress reflects Abia’s steadily improving business environment and streamlined administrative processes.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, noted that the State has been in discussion with Interstate Electric, which owns 60% of EEDC assets, especially in the states, noting that the just concluded negotiations will automatically activate the next phase of the transaction.
He said that following the approval of the State Executive Council on the restoration of Ohafia electricity, the contractor would be mobilised to site this week, adding that the project is in partnership with Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA), and that the target is to restore electricity before the end of the year.
