The Abia State Government (ABSG) on Tuesday commenced the distribution of 53 transformers to various communities across the state.
Speaking during the distribution of the first phase of transformers to 11 beneficiary communities, Governor Otti stated that the initiative is part of his social contract with the people of the state. He emphasized that the goal is to promote and ensure a reliable electricity supply to the communities.
Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, recalled that his administration had announced in December that it had procured 53 transformers. He reaffirmed that all 53 transformers would be distributed to the beneficiaries within the week.
“This is the first batch of transformers that will be procured and supplied to communities in the state. Today, we are handing over transformers to 11 communities, and throughout the week, we will distribute the remaining ones to the other beneficiaries.
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“This initiative aims to boost electricity supply across communities in the state. It is part of our commitment to achieving that goal,” Governor Otti stated.
The Governor disclosed that the beneficiaries were selected on a first-come, first-served basis. He described the people and residents of Abia as industrious and blessed, emphasizing, “We cannot promote industrialization without reliable electricity.”
He urged all communities, especially community leaders, to take responsibility for ensuring the protection of the transformers against any form of threat or vandalism.
“This is taxpayers’ money put to work, so you must handle it with care, protect it, and provide adequate security,” Governor Otti instructed.
He then announced the 11 communities benefiting from the first phase: Umuogo, Amaegbuato-Nkpa, Okpuala/Umuelenwa, Agbama Olokoro, Ibe Uzo Amawom, Umuoruku, Atani Abam, Ndi Oti Alicho-Acho, Abayi Ohanze, Nwokoma Environs-Umuagbaghi, and Umuokelenta Amaoba Oboro.
Responding on behalf of the other beneficiary communities, Eze Innocent Ezeala of Ibe Uzo Amawom-Oboro community in Ikwuano Local Government Area expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for extending this gesture to his community.
He described it as a welcome development and a demonstration of the present administration’s commitment to the state’s transformation.
“This initiative shows that the government is establishing systems to make Abia a state that thrives in every sector.
“The remarkable thing is that I submitted an application for a transformer for my community without meeting the Commissioner in person. I simply received a phone call informing me to come for the transformer, without having to offer a bribe or any form of inducement to secure it,” Eze Ezeala stated.
