Abia begins construction of Umuahia 15MVA injection substation

The Abia State Government says it has commenced the construction of a 15MVA injection substation at Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, to improve electricity supply in the capital town.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing reporters at the Government House on the outcome of Monday’s state Executive Council meeting.

Mr Kanu said the project is being executed in collaboration with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company.

He said the project, when completed, would significantly improve power supply and bring a new lease of life to Umuahia residents.

He also disclosed that power restoration projects are ongoing in Ohafia, Abam in Arochukwu LGA, as well as Ezere and Acha in Isuikwuato LGA.

The commissioner said the Abam project has entered its second phase, covering four communities, while the Ohafia project is almost 100 per cent completed.

He said power restoration to Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North LGA and parts of Ukwa East LGA would commence in a fortnight.

He also said renewable energy deployment to Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) is ongoing across the state.

According to him, the state government has established a new standard requiring all functional PHCs to be accompanied by renewable energy.

The commissioner expressed concern over the vandalism of power assets and other government projects, saying such acts disrupt electricity supply and increase the government’s financial burden.

He urged traditional rulers, town union leaders and security agencies to devise strategies to curb the menace.

He also encouraged communities to take ownership of government projects.

He said the government was also implementing water projects across the state under its Integrated Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme.

He said five water schemes, including pipeline reticulation, were undergoing rehabilitation across the three senatorial districts.

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Mr Kanu further said that eight additional water schemes have been selected for rehabilitation, in collaboration with Denmark’s Impact Fund, through its Infrastructure Finance Facility.

He said approval had been secured for grant-financed technical assistance to conduct feasibility studies on the schemes, and explained that the studies would support the development of inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable water infrastructure.