Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo is working with private providers to guarantee 24-hour electricity in the state.
The governor on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) owned by businessman, Emeka Offor, to guarantee steady power supply in Anambra.
The agreement was signed by Soludo and Julius Emeka, the commissioner for public utilities, while Emeka Offor, chief executive officer of EEDC, signed on behalf of his organization.
The EEDC will procure all regulatory approvals for enabling private sector investors and other stakeholders to participate in the development of the electricity supply chain in Anambra State, among others.
The chief press secretary to the governor, Christian Aburime said the signing ceremony took place at the Anambra government house on Friday.
Speaking on the partnership, Soludo expressed optimism that the partnership will translate into positive changes in the lives of the Anambra people, saying that it is healthy in the journey to a prosperous smart megacity.
He said, “Today, I signed a memorandum of understanding with Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to ensure that power supply in the state is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“The signing of the MoU took place today at the Anambra State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Awka. Today is a historic day for the people and the state.
“I acknowledge that this signing will completely translate into positive changes, which is critical for the journey towards a liveable and prosperous homeland that cannot be achieved without a continuous supply of power.
“Long before I was sworn in as Governor of Anambra, I recognized the importance of power and deeply considered how it could be achieved in the shortest period for at least three to four major cities in the state What we did today was to consummate that marriage.
“The courtship began over a year ago, and I am overjoyed that the marriage has finally been consummated today. We must all work together to ensure that we have a stable and continuous power supply in Anambra State.
“Anambra is a state of which more than 60 percent of its non-land assets are domiciled outside of the state. If at least 25 percent of the proceeds are returned to Anambra, the state can become what we envision it to be.
“My message to the rest of Anambra’s billionaires and millionaires is that wealth and net worth alone are insufficient. The question is, how much of your wealth and assets are domiciled in the state for Anambra to be the choice of destination to live, work, invest, relax and enjoy.”
On his part, Offor said he is happy to contribute his quota towards 24/7 power supply in Anambra. He added that more support is still needed, particularly from the legislative arm, on laws that would empower EEDC to achieve its goals.
The Chief Executive Officer of EEDC described the day as crucial for him as an indigene of the state and commended the zeal and cooperation of the Governor and his administration.
He expressed optimism that with the commencement of the implementation of the project within the next eighteen months, major cities in Anambra will begin to get at least, 18 hours of power supply.
In his remark, the Chairman of Anambra State Power Committee, Engineer Chike Okonkwo said that the partnership is in line with the visionary policy initiated before the Governor’s inauguration and stressed the state government’s readiness to implement the roadmap which has been approved by the state executive council.
KanyiDaily recalls that public workers in Anambra State are in a happy mood after Governor Charles Soludo announced a 10% increment in their salary.