Government of Anambra State has entered into partnership with Enugu State Electricity Company, EEDC for the development of mechanisms to ensure steady power supply across the state.
An MOU signing ceremony between both parties was performed at the EXCO Chambers, Government House, Awka.
While Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Commissioner for Public Utilities, Engr. Julius Emeka signed on behalf of the state government, the Chief Executive Officer of EEDC, Sir Emeka Offor signed on behalf of his organisation.
The MOU entails that Anambra State government will undertake and lead the development of a comprehensive, integrated energy resource plan for the state that provides vital input on fuel sources, current and projected load/demand and potential locations for load-serving entities within the state, among other roles.
The EEDC will procure all regulatory approvals for enabling private sector investors and other stakeholders to participate in the development of the electricity supply chain in Anambra State, among others.
Speaking on the partnership, Governor Soludo expressed optimism that the partnership will translate into positive changes in the lives of ndị Anambra, saying that it is healthy in the journey to a prosperous smart megacity.
The Governor hinted that he had always underscored the importance of power in development and pointed out that the MOU signing is a consummation of a long standing relationship with EEDC.
Governor Soludo who expressed great commitment to the project, called on ndị Igbo, especially the wealthy, to bring at least, twenty five percent of their non-land asset home and contribute at least five percent of tax.
He said that his administration is pressing to transit Anambra from a largely informal commercial atmosphere to an industrial economy and added that the vision is not feasible without adequate power.
Professor Soludo, therefore, urged all parties to work expeditiously to achieve the goal.
Sir Offor described the day as crucial for him as an indegene of the state and commended the zeal and co-orperation of the Governor and his administration.
He expressed optimism that with the commencement of the implementation of the project within the next eighteen months, major cities in Anambra will begin to get atleast, 18 hours of power supply.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Anambra State Power Committee, Engr. Chike Okonkwo said that the partnership is in line with the visionary policy initiated before the Governor’s inauguration and stressed the state government’s readiness to implement the roadmap which has been approved by the state executive council.
Deputy Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr. Paschal Agbodike, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, members of the state power committee, Senator Ken Nnamani, Dr. ABC Orjiakor, Dr. Lester Enweronu, EEDC Directors, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria led by the Chairperson, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, among others, attended the function.
For details of the event and other government activities, join the programme “Anambra Government House Diary” with Ejike Abana (ABS Government House Correspondent), On ABS 88.5fm, Mondays-Fridays, 6:05 and 5:30pm Daily.
