Abia flags off first phase of transformer distribution to communities

As part of sustained efforts to expand access to reliable electricity and strengthen power infrastructure in the rural communities, Abia State Government has commenced the first phase of the distribution of 50 electricity transformers to communities across the 17 Local Government Areas of the State.

Ikechukwu Monday, Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, while speaking during the distribution of the transformers on Friday, said that the distribution was in line with the directives of Governor Alex Otti to consolidate electricity infrastructure and improve power supply across the state.

Monday stated that the initiative was part of Otti’s broader agenda to ensure that communities experiencing prolonged power outages due to faulty or unavailable transformers are reconnected to the national grid.

According to him, the transformers will be deployed to communities across the state to strengthen existing electricity networks and improve the quality and stability of power supply.

“Today, we are commencing the distribution of transformers to communities across the 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State.

“This is in line with the directives of His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, to enhance and consolidate electricity infrastructure within the State.

“These transformers will be installed across various electricity networks within Umuahia and other parts of Abia to strengthen and boost electricity infrastructure.

“It is one of the programmes of the state government to ensure that electricity reaches our people, especially those in rural communities that have remained without power due to transformer-related challenges,” Monday stated.

Monday further said that the distribution was only the first phase of the intervention, noting that 50 communities are benefiting in the current exercise while another 50 communities would benefit during the second phase scheduled for the third quarter of the year.

“Today, we are distributing transformers to 50 communities across the state. This is the first batch, and within the third quarter, we intend to commence the second batch, which will also cover another 50 communities.

“It is a continuous intervention aimed at addressing electricity needs across the state,” Monday stated.

The commissioner, while explaining the criteria for selecting beneficiary communities, said the Ministry adopted a transparent needs-based approach to ensure that communities with the most pressing electricity challenges received priority.

He noted that while numerous applications were received from different communities, the ministry carefully assessed each request before making its decision.

“The selection is based primarily on need. We received applications from different communities, but we carried out proper assessments because there are communities that already have two or three functional transformers and still apply whenever distribution is announced.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that transformers get to communities that genuinely require them while we also observe the principle of first-come, first-served, priority is always given to areas with the greatest need,” Monday explained.

On measures put in place to safeguard the transformers against vandalism, the commissioner emphasised that protecting public infrastructure is a shared responsibility between government and host communities.

He said that every benefiting community is required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ministry, accepting responsibility for securing the transformer.

“It is not the responsibility of the government alone. The communities must take ownership of these facilities because once a transformer is vandalised, the entire community is thrown into darkness.

“Before any transformer is handed over, representatives of the benefiting community sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the ministry, committing to protecting the infrastructure.