In preparation for the commencement of the Akwa Ibom solar electrification project, Governor Udom Emmanuel met with stakeholders in Akpabom Community in ONNA Local Government Area of the state.
Represented by his Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr Nse Udo Essien, the State Governor, while addressing the people at the Village Square recently, said the meeting was to enable him have a one-on-one interface with the Community as well as ensure a model for the successful implementation of the solar project in the area.
He disclosed that the project which is executed in partnership with GVE projects Limited is part of the present administration’s effort at ensuring that all parts of the State, no matter how remote enjoy constant power supply.
According the Governor, “The Government has so much love for the Akpabom Community and when he heard that the Community has not had electricity for over 7 years, Akpabom was penciled as the first to enjoy the provision of light using an integrated solar farm system.”
Governor Emmanuel stated that the bulk of the funding would be provided by GVE Projects Limited with Videst Nigeria Limited serving as the local content vehicle provider, saying that a scalable 50KW mini-grid solar energy facility would be installed and 90 per cent of the components being ordered by the project promoter.
He maintained that the project in Akpabom is a pilot scheme, if successful will facilitate the construction of similar projects in other parts of the State and that when completed, each household would be metered, and consumption of electricity would be on pay- as -you-go- basis.
“The project upon completion would be handed over to the Community after 10 years of successful operation. According to ensure successful management of the project, selected youths of the Community would be trained on management, repairs and maintenance of the facilities during the period,” he added.
The Governor, who warned against what he termed “matching ground, royalties and compensation,” called on the people of Akpabom to protect the project against vandalism.
Speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. Stella Etukakpan, expressed gratitude to the State Governor for selecting Akpabom for the pilot scheme of the solar electrification project.
Mrs. Etukakpan who lauded the Community for providing land for the project called on them to provide a conducive atmosphere for the Company assuring that the project when operational would boost economic activities in the Community.
In his response, the Managing Director, Videst Nigeria Limited, Mr. Akan Isong who represented GVE Projects Limited assured that the job would be executed according to specifications and completed on schedule expressing gratitude to the State Government for the opportunity given them to contribute to the electrification of the State.
The village Head of Akpabom, Chief Emmanuel Dickson, represented by his son, the Ward Chairman, Mr. Friday Akpan Robinson, all expressed gratitude to the State Government for bringing electricity to the area, assuring that they would jealously guard facility against vandalism.
Present at the meeting were, Deputy Director Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Elder Okon Ntoketi, Chief Eyo Edward Dickson and some stake holders from the community.
UDOM TO COMMENCE SOLAR ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT IN AKWA IBOM
