Secretary to Delta State Government , Festus Agas (left); Governor , Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa; Executive Vice-Chairman, Proton Energy , Oti Ikomi; and Project Manager , Femi Adebule , at a Proton Energy meeting with the governor for a 150MW power plant, in Asaba, Delta State.
Efforts at ensuring that over 200 commercial entities around Ozoro, in Isoko Local Government area of Delta State benefit from power supply got a boost, as Benin Electricity Distribution Plc (BEDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with Thames Energy Limited, and the Delta State Government on the construction of 20megawatts power plant in the area.
The MoU signing, which took place at BEDC Head Office in Benin signalled a tripartite partnership that is expected to galvanise the potential of the commercial entities, in addition to rejuvenating the economy of the Isoko, and thus make the location an economic hub for Delta State.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, BEDC, Mrs Funke Osibodu, was quoted in a statement as saying that the company is poised to make the project a reality with a view to improving the socio-economic development of the Isoko people and Delta state at large.
Osibodu, who noted that no urban renewal or development is complete without power supply, said BEDC’s involvement in the deal was informed by the quest and commitment at improving the quality of life of its customers through the provision of reliable and stable electricity supply with limited interruptions.
Also contributing, the Executive Director, Commercial, Dr Abu Ejoor, commended the people of Ozoro for creating a peaceful and friendly environment for the project to take off, noting that when completed, the project will improve the lot of the people, create jobs, reduce poverty, and create enterprise.
The Managing Director, Thames Energy, Akpovi Oyo, assured that the power plant project would be completed within 18 months, noting that power is one of the biggest industries, which required tapping into with a view to enabling economic sustenance.
He explained that the project is “an off grid project where 20MW of electricity would be installed in the first phase, while the second, third and fourth phases will come up based on demand.”“In a couple of weeks, a ground breaking will be done for construction to kick off immediately,” he pledged, adding that Delta State required five of such power plants in key areas.”
Also speaking, the Delta State Commissioner for Urban Renewal, Ilolo Oghenekaro, commended BEDC for its display of professionalism in the packaging of the project, declaring that the Government is committed to the development of key infrastructure that will improve the economy.
“You cannot renew any urban centre without critical infrastructure like power, hence the basis for the Delta State Government’s partnership with BEDC and Thames Energy on the project,” he said, and expressed the hope that the joint venture will bear fruit.
“Power is the biggest industry that is emerging out of the 21st Century, which will be bigger than telecoms, and there is a need to key in into the sector in such a way that it will help everybody. Delta State is willing to provide any form of assistance to make this project a success.”
President General of Isoko nation, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, lauded BEDC’s commitment to the area, assuring that they will create an enabling environment for the project to succeed.
No comments:
Post a Comment