The Abia State Government has began the distribution of 53 brand new transformers of different specifications to selected communities as part of its power sector recovery programme across the state.
Speaking during the distribution of the transformers at the Ministry of Power and Public Utilities, Umuahia, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba described what is being witnessed in the state today as a clear testament to a government that is passionate about development and fully committed to touching the lives of Abians meaningfully.
Pastor Ajagba while describing electricity as the bedrock of every development, explained that lack of electricity slows down the economic growth of any given community, and assured that the Governor Alex Otti led administration in the state will continue to cater for the welfare of the citizens.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor also enjoined the benefitting communities to take ownership of the transformers they have received from government, ensure that it is properly utilized as well as protect them and other government facilities in their domain against vandals.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr Ikechukwu Monday, described the distribution of the transformers to the selected communities as a testament to Governor Otti’s vision to `light up Abia’, and expressed optimism that communities in Abia will begin to witness significant improvement in electricity supply after the distribution of the transformers.
Mr Monday explained that the criteria for selecting benefitting communities include high population density, commercial hubs and “first-come-first serve basis”, adding that the approach which was not politicized was adopted to address immediate needs and ensure fairness in the exercise.
In a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power and Public Utilities, Mrs Nwanyieze Otum appreciated Governor Alex Otti for his magnanimity and administrative ingenuity and charged the benefiting communities to ensure that government properties in their domains are protected against vandals.
The distribution process which will be done in phases had 10 communities presented with their transformers while management and staff of the ministry witnessed the handover.
