Abia govt begins distribution of 50 transformers to communities across 17 LGAs

From Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia

As part of sustained efforts to expand access to reliable electricity and strengthen power infrastructure in rural communities, the Abia State Government has commenced the first phase of the distribution of 50 electricity transformers to communities across the 17 LGAs of the state.

The distribution took place at the Ministry of Power and Public Utilities. Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, said the exercise is in line with the Governor’s directive to consolidate electricity infrastructure and improve power supply across Abia State.

He stated that the initiative forms part of the Governor’s broader agenda to ensure that communities experiencing prolonged power outages due to faulty or unavailable transformers are reconnected to the national grid.

“Today, we are commencing the distribution of transformers to communities across the 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State. This is in line with the directives of the Governor to enhance and consolidate electricity infrastructure within the state.

“These transformers will be installed across various electricity networks in Umuahia and other parts of Abia to strengthen and boost electricity infrastructure. It is one of the programmes of the State Government to ensure that electricity reaches our people, especially those in rural communities that have been without power due to transformer-related challenges.”

The distribution marked the first phase of the intervention. Fifty communities are benefiting in the current exercise, while another 50 communities will benefit during the second phase scheduled for the third quarter of the year.

“Today, we are distributing transformers to 50 communities across the state. This is the first batch, and within the third quarter, we intend to commence the second batch, which will also cover another 50 communities. It is a continuous intervention aimed at addressing electricity needs across the state,” Engr. Monday disclosed.

He said the Ministry adopted a transparent, needs-based approach to ensure that communities with the most pressing electricity challenges receive priority. He added that numerous applications were received from different communities, and the Ministry carefully assessed each request before making its decisions.

“The selection is based primarily on need. We receive applications from different communities, but we carry out proper assessments because there are communities that already have two or three functional transformers and still apply whenever distribution is announced.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that transformers get to communities that genuinely require them. While we also observe the principle of first-come, first-served, priority is always given to areas with the greatest need,” he said.

The Commissioner maintained that measures have been put in place to safeguard the transformers against vandalism. He emphasized that protecting public infrastructure is a shared responsibility between government and host communities.

He said every benefiting community is required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Ministry, accepting responsibility for securing the transformer.

Responding on behalf of the benefiting communities, the member representing Umuahia Central in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Anthony Chinasa Abiola, who received the transformer for Ward 3, Umuahia Central, and the President General of Okaiuga Nkwoegwu, Engr. Victor Ihediwa, who received on behalf of Nkwoegwu community, thanked the Governor for his efforts to achieve steady power in the state.