Abia state Governor, Dr Alex Otti in a bid to ensuring uninterrupted power supply for residents of Umuahia, says his administration is committed to facilitating the Alaoji Power project’s execution by providing necessary support and resources.
Governor Otti who stated this when he paid an on the spot assessment of the Alaoji Power Generating Plant, situated at Ugwunagbo LGA of the state,acknowledged the crucial role that the project plays in meeting the energy demands of Abia residents.
He commended the efforts of the Chrome Group running the Alaoji generating plant and led by Sir Emeka Offor, for their dedication to ensuring the success of the project which centers on enhancing the capacity of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company’s Alaoji generating plant
Governor Otti emphasized the importance of prioritizing the transmission of power to areas in need, particularly highlighting the significance of delivering electricity to Umuahia and other local governments not captured by the Geometric Power Plant.
The Governor while noting that the power plant is not generating any power as a result of gas issues, expressed optimism that the challenges would be resolved soon and further assured that his government would do everything possible to ensure the success of the project.
“At the moment, my understanding is that the plant is not generating any power because of gas issues which I believe would be solved shortly but I think the more fundamental issue is that the capacity is very low.
“From what I gathered from the consortium clearly, the Capacity could be expanded from anywhere between 45 megawatts one thousand and seventy two megawatts.
“We will do everything possible to ensure that this happens.
“They have given us a timeline that anywhere between 18 and 24 months that maximum capacity would be achieved and my plea to them is that since we have virtually solved the ABA power needs, that the first set of power that will be generated from here would be transmitted to Umuahia and distributed through the EEDC which luckily is controlled by the Chrome group too and I have gotten approval and understanding that that would happen”.
To streamline the implementation process, Governor Otti directed the Mayor of Ugwunagbo LGA, Chief Emeka Ihesiaba to liaise with the Commissioner for Works, in granting access to the plant site.
He noted that the move would facilitate the smooth transportation of materials and equipment to the site and expedite the project’s objectives.
“The whole idea is that a lot of materials and machines are already at Onne Port, evacuating them into this yard will be a tall order.
“You can see how we rigmaroled to get to this place but this is quite close to the express, if we give them access, it would be easier for them to deliver on the contract they have and the other seven or eight local governments that are not covered by the existing IPP project and then to other parts of the country because i believe that this goes also to the national grid”, Otti said.
Speaking on the initiative, Sir Emeka Offor emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving sustainable development and expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for his unwavering support and commitment to the project.
He highlighted the potential benefits the project holds for the people of Abia State to include uninterrupted power supply, employment opportunities among others adding that with the support of government, the project would be delivered on schedule.
“This project is all about enhancing the power supply and knowing that the Governor is interested in making sure that Abia people enjoy power 24/7.
“The people of Abia will benefit enormously from the project. They are going to benefit, they are going to enjoy surplus power. You heard the Governor,saying he wants part of this power to be sent to Umuahia directly. That is possible.The effects will trickle down to the people. The people of Abia state are going to enjoy”, Offor assured.
