05 June 2013, Lagos – The Federal Government is working towards completing 1,994 abandoned rural electrification projects across the country.
Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, disclosed this at the commissioning of three injection sub-stations in Lagos.
“President Goodluck Jonathan is working hard to ensure that all abandoned rural electrification projects were completed soonest.
“It is on record that the rural electrification agency was moribund before Jonathan came on board. The agency, which is saddled with rural electrification, has been scrapped,” he said.
The minister said Jonathan had, however, revived the agency and pumped funds for its effectiveness.
“You will agree with me that most of the projects were abandoned when they were at 90 per cent completion. Today, huge rural electrification projects have been penciled down for completion.”
He said there was no way government could bring development and value chain into the rural areas without effective electricity, adding that electricity was the key to farm produce and preservation in the rural.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Executive Officer, Ikeja Distribution Company, Mr Chris Akamnonu, called for more government support.
“This will be more useful, especially in the area of the burnt 150MVA transformer at Ikeja West.
“That is why we are imploring the Minister to assist with more funds to replace the burnt transformer and complete other projects within the zone.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the minister had promised to replace the 150MVA transformer with a 300MVA transformer.
“This was to accommodate the planned expansion and increase in power supply across the network,” he said.
