Akakan Umoh
Every ward and every community in Ukanafun and Oruk Anam Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State is assured of stable electricity supply.
So far, Ukanafun has 11 electoral wards and 87 gazetted villages while Oruk Anam has 13 electoral wards and 169 gazetted villages.
The two-term member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr. Unyime Idem, announced this Sunday, during a joint meeting with members of the Implementation and Security Committees of the electrification project.
Rep Idem made the pledge following the commencement of the second Phase of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Electrification Rehabilitation and Restoration Initiative for the installation of additional transformers in more communities in the two local government areas.
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‘‘We continue our determined march towards restoring electricity to every part of our Federal Constituency,’’ Idem said, adding ‘‘We will not stop until every community in Ukanafun and Oruk Anam is connected, illuminated and empowered.’’
He promised to pay the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) the required fee for energisation to ensuring the transformers already installed under Phase One serve the people.
‘‘This is another important step towards bringing light back into our homes, schools, churches, markets and businesses,’’ he noted.
‘‘No community will be left behind. We will continue to work until every ward and every community in Ukanafun/Oruk Anam enjoys the benefits of stable electricity,’’ Idem assured.
The Chairman of House Committee on Public Procurement warned against illegal electricity connections and the vandalisation of power facilities. These transformers belong to all of us. They are investments in our collective future and must be protected by every member of our communities.
He charged members of both the Implementation and Security Committees to remain committed, vigilant and accountable in carrying out their responsibilities.
In response, the Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Obong James Ekekere, and the Chairman of the Security Committee, Deacon Ndianabasi Udom, assured him that their committees are fully prepared to deliver on their mandates.
Recall that in December last year, the National Assemblyman distributed 25 units of 500KVA transformers across the 24 wards of the constituency and commenced the rehabilitation of damaged power infrastructure in communities captured under the first phase.
For more than 18 years, thousands of families in Ukanafun and Oruk Anam lived without electricity supply.
Businesses struggled, students studied under candlelight, healthcare services were affected, and many communities were cut off from the opportunities that reliable electricity brings.
Development experts see electricity rehabilitation and restoration initiative more than the installation of transformers.
To them, it is about restoring hope, reviving businesses, creating opportunities for our young people, improving security, and giving our people the quality of life they deserve.
