President Muhammadu Buhari has flagged off the N6.8 billion mega power project in Akwa Ibom State, stating that it was the fulfilment of his election promise to the people.
Performing the groundbreaking for the construction of the 2×30/40MVA substation in Ibiono Ibom local government area, Buhari, who was represented by the minister of state for power, Prince Goddy Jeddy-Agba, said the 2x30MVA substation would boost power generation to enhance the socioeconomic sector of the state.
He said, “We are here for an official ground breaking ceremony of the construction of 2×30/40MVA substation at Ibiono Ibom. The contract for the engineering, procurement, and construction of 2×30/40MVA substation at Ibiono Ibom in Akwa Ibom State was awarded in favour of M/S Jamec West Africa Ltd. with completion period of 18 months.
“The project is a campaign promise fulfilled to the good people of Akwa Ibom. I want to thank the good people of Idedep community for donating the parcel of land for which the project will be sited.”
Buhari added that the project would improve service delivery and increase capacity to supply power to other neighbouring states, adding the project upon completion would strengthen the national grid by increasing its wheeling capacity to 25, 000MW by 2025.
The president urged Akwa Ibom to provide all necessary support and assistance to ensure prompt completion of the project.
Governor Udom Emmanuel, who was represented by the commissioner for power and petroleum, Mr Join Etim, pledged the state government’s support for the completion of the project as scheduled. He commended Buhari for putting politics aside to award the project to Akwa Ibom.
The former senior special assistant (SSA) to the president on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang, said the project when completed would enhance economic growth of the people, as small-scale businesses would spring up due to availability of regular power supply.
He charged the people to protect the project and cooperate with the contractors to complete the contract within stipulated time for the benefit of the community.
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