26 August 2011, Sweetcrude, Enugu – The Enugu State Government has approved the release of more than N151.89 million for the execution of rural electricity projects in 10 communities and a mechanic village.
In addition, the government has also approved the sum of N37.535 million for the bulk purchase of 21 electric transformers for distribution to 21communities to improve power supply in their areas.
The state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr Chuks Ugwoke said the electricity projects would be executed through direct labour by the state government in partnership with the local government areas where the communities are located in the ratio of 60:40 counterpart contributions.
A breakdown of the amount and benefiting communities shows that the state government will contribute the sum of over N23 million for Enugu Agu, Ihe, Elugwu Akwu electricity in Oji River Council Area and the sum of over N25.39 million for electricity supply to Ogirishi, Obinagu Uwani Akpugo communities in Nkanu West Local Government Area.
Also for the Ufuogbo Ufodo community electricity project in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area will contribute over N19.59 million while more than N31. 86 million was approved for the Amaofu Nkerefi community electricity project in Nkanu East Local Government Area.
The commissioner also said that the council approved government counterpart funding of more than N22. 92 million for the execution of the electricity project at Obunofia Ndiuno and Agbaja Umumba Ndiuno communities in Ezeagu Local Government Area.
He stated that over N28.49 million was approved for the supply of electricity by government wholly to the mechanic village to facilitate the relocation of the mechanics and other allied workers to the village.
According to Ugwoke, who expressed concern over some of the civil servants in the state that are yet to return to their duty posts at the end of the three-day warning strike over the implementation of the new minimum wages, government is ever committed to paying the new minimum wages by the end of the month provided that those who prepare the payment vouchers can do their work.
