Power
THE Anambra State Government has resolved to extend electricity power supply to rural communities, while pushing for stable supplies to the rest of the state in the near future.
The comprehensive plans were unveiled by the Commissioner for Public Utility, Emeka Ezenwanne, during the 2nd edition of “Meet The Media’’, an interactive forum created by the governor’s media team to provide insights into the achievements of the governor since inception of the administration.
Addressing the forum, Ezenwanne said that the Gov, Obiano administration had embarked on “transformational projects’’ aimed mainly at improving rural electrification.
According to him, there are some communities that have never seen electricity since their existence, but the governor has taken electricity to them.
“The transmission line from Otuocha Junction to Eziagulu-Otu through Enugu-Otu to Mkpunando has been completed and recently inaugurated.
“These are communities that have never seen electricity all their life. I became emotional when I saw the joy of the people as the hitherto dark villages became illuminated by bright lights,’’ Ezenwanne said.
The commissioner said that the governor had before now, donated not less than 700 transformers to communities in the state to support the distribution of electric power.
“Don’t forget that the governor had earlier, also extended 33kv line from Oji River in Enugu State to Orumba North and South.
“This singular project, took electricity to about 31 communities in Orumba, Anambra State and even to some communities in Abia State sharing borders with the state.
“It is on record that these communities in Abia State sent a delegation to Anambra State to express their gratitude to Gov. Obiano,’’ Ezenwanne said.
“It is clear that there’s need for stable and steady electricity to the industrial and commercial clusters of the state in place like Nnewi.
“Undoubtedly, electricity power is germane to the advancement of any economy and Gov, Obiano understands that it is the singular catalyst for his vision for a modern, industrialised and economically stable state.
“For this reason, he has embarked on very impactful and life changing projects,’’ he said.
According to the commissioner, before now, the Gov Obiano administration extended another 33 KVA line from Agu-Awka sub-station to Anambra North senatorial district and created what we call the ‘Nnewi feeder-two’ from Awada injection substation to Nnewi.
“This is serving not less than 21 communities using the Nnewi feeder,’’ he added.
These efforts along with a recent MoU signed with the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, to build a massive transmission and power generating infrastructure in Anambra State, are aimed at improving power supply in the state.
Ezenwanne also said that the project would include a 2×60 MVA transmission substation in Onitsha, Nnewi, Ifitedunu, Umuchu and Aguleri.
“We will also build a 2×150 MVA transmission substation in Awka. The idea is to connect the substations, when completed, with the existing 132 KV line, to build a power ring round the state.
“This will no doubt provide adequate power needed to drive Short and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, cottage and large industries, even technology hubs in the state.
“The impact of this project will push Anambra State to compete with first world economies in technology and digital development.
“Indeed, Anambra is a haven for real estate and industrialisation because of the secure and enabling environment established by Gov Willie Obiano, but there’s still a yawning electricity power gap.
“This is why the governor is doing everything to bridge that gap with these ongoing projects,’’ he added.
– Jul. 20, 2020 @ 9:05 GMT
Tags: Government resolves to improve electricity power supplies in rural communities
